Turki Alalshikh’s decision to install an 18-foot ring for the July 12 DAZN PPV in Riyadh flips the script on WBC lightweight king Shakur Stevenson. The Newark slickster thrives in a full 20-foot square, where lateral darts and quick resets keep opponents chasing shadows. Against Mexican pressure machine William Zepeda, however, the real estate shrinks—forcing Stevenson into exchanges he usually postpones.
Promoter Eddie Hearn envisioned a smooth, low-risk path to a Gervonta Davis mega-fight when he inked Stevenson and matched him with late-sub Josh Padley in February. That plan now veers into uncharted terrain: Zepeda averages more than 100 punches a round, expertly cuts space, and has 27 knockouts in 33 wins. In a smaller ring, his chances of trapping Stevenson rise sharply - just as Edwin De Los Santos managed at times last year, prompting boos for Shakur’s “hit-and-hide” approach.
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Alalshikh’s motive is blunt: entertainment. After the open criticism of slow-paced bouts on his cards, the Saudi powerbroker wants action his audience will remember. A compact ring forces Stevenson to trade; failure to oblige could risk both his unbeaten record and fan goodwill. For Zepeda, who questions whether “Shakur’s got the balls” to stand and fight, the tighter dimensions amount to a gift-wrapped opportunity.
Stevenson insists superior timing and accuracy will dull Zepeda’s volume, yet the math is simple: less space equals more collisions. On a night designed to punish runners and reward risk-takers, the champion must answer one pressing question—when the canvas closes in, can slick still survive?
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