Shakur Stevenson, a rising star in the boxing world, is on the brink of an exciting year with a carefully outlined fight schedule for 2025. Under the guidance of promoter Eddie Hearn, Stevenson is expected to fight three notable opponents, starting with Floyd Schofield on February 22nd, followed by William Zepeda in May, and concluding with Gervonta “Tank” Davis later in the year. This structured approach seems calculated, aiming to elevate Stevenson’s standing within the sport while also attracting the attention and support of boxing fans around the globe.
The anticipation begins with his scheduled bout against Schofield, who holds an impressive record of 18 wins with 12 knockouts to his name. This fight, slated to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marks a significant step for both fighters. Stevenson, boasting an undefeated record of 22-0 with 10 KOs, is firmly positioned as the WBC lightweight champion. Hearn’s optimism surrounding this match is palpable, as he describes Schofield as a “really good American fighter” who has expressed intent to challenge Stevenson. The underlying tension, fueled by social media banter, adds a layer of excitement to this event, suggesting that both boxers are eager to not only win but to send a message to the boxing community.
However, the match with Schofield is merely the beginning. Hearn’s ambition extends beyond this singular fight, aiming for a blockbuster year that could reshape Stevenson’s career trajectory.
The next target for Stevenson, William Zepeda, represents a more challenging encounter. Though Zepeda brings a perfect record of 32 wins, including an impressive 27 KOs, there are concerns surrounding his recent hand injury sustained during his bout with Tevin Farmer. This setback not only casts doubts on his availability but also raises questions about his willingness to face Stevenson. Hearn’s remarks suggest that there may be apprehensions from Zepeda and his camp regarding the timing of the fight, with Oscar De La Hoya himself signaling that Zepeda might feel it’s “a bit early” for such a showdown.
The dynamics of this potential matchup could greatly influence Stevenson’s rise in the boxing hierarchy. A win against Zepeda would mark a significant milestone, affirming Stevenson’s claim as one of the top lightweight contenders. However, there’s a pressing need for Hearn to craft a compelling financial offer that incentivizes Zepeda to take the risk of stepping into the ring with Stevenson.
Finally, the highlight of Stevenson’s schedule is the anticipated clash with Gervonta Davis. This matchup, however, poses a more complex challenge for Hearn and his team. Tank Davis has publicly dismissed the idea of fighting Stevenson, indicating his belief that Stevenson has yet to prove himself on the grand stage. The hurdles to securing this fight are significant; it demands not only financial resources but also strategic negotiations to sway Davis, who may be hesitant to engage with a fighter he perceives as untested.
Hearn’s commitment to making this fight happen is commendable, reflecting his understanding of the boxing business and the fan desire for compelling matchups. A fight between Stevenson and Davis could transcend the sport, capturing mainstream attention and potentially drawing in fans who are typically not engaged with boxing.
As 2025 approaches, all eyes will be on Stevenson and his journey through these pivotal matchups. Each fight presents an opportunity for him to solidify his legacy in the sport while providing thrilling entertainment for boxing aficionados. With promotional strategies in place and a solid work ethic, Stevenson has the potential to not only emerge victorious but also ascend to superstardom in the boxing world. The coming year could be a defining one, and for Stevenson, it may well be the moment where he transitions from a promising contender to an established icon of the sport.