In an unexpected twist in the boxing world, WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson is looking to pivot from his original plans to face William Zepeda in his next bout. The fight, initially set for February, was thwarted when Zepeda suffered a hand injury during his recent victory over Tevin Farmer. This unfortunate circumstance leaves Stevenson searching for an alternative opponent, and Australian boxer George Kambosos Jr. has emerged as a potential candidate. With Kambosos’ willingness to engage in a match-up, all eyes are on how this scenario will unfold.
Kambosos, with a professional record of 21 wins and 3 losses, has expressed interest in facing Stevenson but under specific conditions. Notably, he would have to relinquish his WBC lightweight title and transition to the 140-pound weight division, potentially bringing the bout to Australia. While Stevenson may be open to heading Down Under for a showdown, the idea of surrendering his lightweight title poses a considerable challenge. The championship belt not only represents Stevenson’s current standing in the boxing hierarchy but also serves as leverage in future negotiations, particularly in a potential clash with WBA champion Gervonta Davis.
Adding another layer to the situation is the promotional backdrop involving both fighters. Kambosos recently inked a deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom, which is also responsible for the promotion of Shakur. This connection complicates matters, particularly since Hearn has ambitions for Kambosos to battle the IBF 140-pound champion, Liam Paro, assuming he successfully defends his title on December 7 against Richardson Hitchins. Should Kambosos lose to Stevenson, it could significantly damage the potential match-up against Paro, thus causing Hearn to re-evaluate the feasibility of this fight.
In addition to the strategic considerations, both boxers are not shy about expressing their lust for competition through social media. Kambosos has invited Stevenson to finalize negotiations, even going so far as to challenge him directly. In a candid statement on social media, Kambosos implored Stevenson to “come see me in February,” emphasizing a desire to face the American fighter. While some might question Kambosos as a fitting replacement for Zepeda, the reality is that he could very well be the most viable option available, amid hesitation from other top contenders.
The boxing community is left to ponder the ramifications of this potential matchup. While Kambosos may not represent the toughest challenge Stevenson could face, the fight could serve an essential function in maintaining Stevenson’s fighting schedule and reputation. However, with Kambosos’ past performance possibly affecting his marketability, one has to question whether this fight benefits either party in the long term. If Stevenson is indeed serious about securing a bout and maintaining his status within the sport, achieving a swift resolution to this negotiation will prove paramount in the weeks ahead.
In the fast-evolving landscape of professional boxing, the next few months will be critical for both fighters as they navigate their careers amid uncertainty and anticipation.