Overview

• Shakur Stevenson, 23-0 (11 KOs), promises an aggressive performance to silence critics who fault his defensive style.
• William Zepeda, 33-0 (27 KOs), pledges relentless pressure and a knockout to avoid a decision he believes would favor Stevenson.
• Oscar De La Hoya predicted Zepeda will win by decision or stoppage, intensifying pre-fight mind games.
• Claressa Shields said that in recent sparring Stevenson responded aggressively after absorbing a hard body shot, signaling an uptick in intensity.
• The WBC lightweight title defense headlines Ring III in Queens on Saturday and streams live on DAZN PPV for $59.99.