Arum: "Zepeda's Not Ready," and Other BS

Bob Arum, founder and head of Top Rank, has announced that the fight between WBC lightweight (up to 61,2 kg) champion Shakur Stevenson (21-0, 10 KOs) and William Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs) will not be happening next.

"When Zepeda won his fight, Oscar De La Hoya said, 'Bring on Shakur.' We called them and said, 'Everyone heard Oscar, Shakur is ready to fight your guy.' It was, 'Oh, he's not ready,' and other BS.

Let me tell you something. If you take anyone from the lightweight division and make them fight Shakur – it's like sentencing them to death. Because no one can beat Shakur," said Arum.

On March 17th, William Zepeda faced British boxer Maxi Hughes (26-7-2, 5 KOs) in a WBA and IBF eliminator. The fight ended in victory for Zepeda after Hughes refused to continue the fight — RTD 4. Now, William is the mandatory challenger for the WBA and IBF lightweight titles.

Stevenson last entered the ring in November of the previous year, defeating Edwin De Los Santos (16-2, 14 KOs) and winning the vacant WBC title.