WBC Orders Shakur Stevenson to Defend Title Against Zepeda

The World Boxing Council (WBC) has officially ordered its lightweight champion, Shakur Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs), to make a mandatory title defense against unbeaten Mexican contender William Zepeda (33-0, 27 KOs).

Both camps have until May 6 to reach an agreement, or the bout will proceed to a purse bid.

The announcement follows recent drama between Stevenson and Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh, who had been working behind the scenes to make the fight happen. Stevenson publicly claimed that Alalshikh broke a promise regarding financial terms.

“Turki promised me certain conditions, and now he’s backing out—sending his little messengers instead of speaking to me directly about what he's trying to do. I don’t bow to anyone. Mr. De La Hoya, let’s cut a real deal,” Stevenson wrote on social media.

Team Stevenson is reportedly demanding a 70/30 purse split in the champion’s favor, while Golden Boy Promotions (representing Zepeda) has requested the WBC enforce a 55/45 split instead. According to The Ring, Stevenson could see his potential purse reduced by up to 70% compared to the original offer from Alalshikh—potentially leading him to vacate the title altogether.

The 27-year-old Stevenson last fought in February in Riyadh, stopping Josh Padley via ninth-round TKO. He was initially scheduled to face Floyd Schofield, but the latter withdrew due to illness.

William Zepeda, the current WBC interim champion, is riding momentum after back-to-back unanimous decision wins over former world champion Tevin Farmer in November and March.