Here's a chance for Shakur to gain some of the respect that's been eluding him the last couple of years. Turning this into a track meet is not going to do it.
Shakur will play tag and win. Hit and jump back in straight lines. When Zepeda takes a step forward, Shakur will take a step back. If Zepeda gets overly aggressive, Shakur will counter him. Rinse wash and repeat. Zepeda would need to utilize a jab along with feints and cutting off the ring to have success against Shakur. His power would need to play a factor as well. Zepeda isn’t that level of fighter to do these things so he will lose. It’s boxing though so you never know. Maybe Zepeda catches and hurts Shakur and it changes the entire fight (Haney vs Garcia). I highly doubt it happens. Shakur by UD.
Pretty solid analysis. Stevenson will use his feet all night to keep out of range and force Zepeda to chase, opening up counterpunching opportunities, or reset his offensive. I expect an ugly, disjointed fight that will go to the cards. Since I don't expect a lot of clean action, it's not inconceivable that Zepeda gets the nod based on volume and aggression (ie he's the guy at least trying to make the fight).
I wish this was the case but I just don’t see him engaging. He will pitty patty to score and run. I hope I am wrong and Zepeda pulls it off.
Zepeda isn't a big puncher, so if Shakur were really that good he would outbox Zepeda, break him down and stop him. But Shakur isn't like that, he has no urgency and I stopped believing in him, he will let rounds slip, no zeal, no heart. This is why i think Stevenson will get a gift decision. Andy Cruz would beat Stevenson, as well as overrated Tank
I am really interested in this fight. Respect to zepeda for seeking the fight against stevenson. Stevenson is like rigondeaux insofar as he is good and you can not look good against him. You will not get highlight reel video clips against him. And losing against those kinds of fighters you always look bad and it takes a toll on your career... So I hope the best for zepeda and that he can keep his workrate as high as possible. I think he might overwhelm stevenson when brawling in the short to mid range if stevenson can not clinch him to a standstill. But if stevenson looks brilliant under fire and his stock rises I am fine with it, too. It's just that stevenson needs opponents that really pressure him! Otherwise he is hard to watch because he will not push the fight. Just like haney.