William Zepeda plans to return to the ring in time to stay on pace for a crack at a major title.

The unbeaten lightweight contender is in the process of finalizing an opponent for a planned fight in March, team representatives informed The Ring. Mexico’s Zepeda (32-0, 27 KOs) was due to challenge WBC 135-pound titlist Shakur Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs), but an injury forced him out of their planned Feb. 22 date in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Stevenson, The Ring’s No. 3-rated lightweight, will instead defend his belt against Floyd Schofield (18-0, 12 KOs). Zepeda, now fully healed, aims to fight soon thereafter and challenge the winner.

“We are fully committed to position William Zepeda to become world champion in 2025,” Jaime Picos, Zepeda’s manager, informed The Ring. “It hurt to not be able to fight Shakur Stevenson on the big Riyadh Season show, because he has remained our focus.

“So now, we make the moves to ensure that opportunity is still in place after their next fights.”

Golden Boy Promotions chairman and co-founder Oscar De La Hoya recently told Fight Hub TV that a rematch between Zepeda, The Ring’s No. 4 contender, and Tevin Farmer (33-7-1, 8 KOs) is being explored. Zepeda survived a knockdown to prevail via ten-round, split decision and claim the interim WBC lightweight title in their Nov. 16 clash in Riyadh.

It came at a cost, however. In addition to the knockdown, Zepeda injured his left hand which left him in a sling and sidelined for the remainder of 2024. The timing was just enough to once again miss out on a chance to face Stevenson.

A mandatory title fight between Stevenson and Zepeda was previously ordered by the WBC last year. Zepeda expected to challenge for the belt before his team was informed they would enter separate bouts.

Stevenson was due to face former IBF 130-pound titlist Joe Cordina (17-1, 9 KOs) on the Oct. 12 Riyadh Season show. The undefeated three-division titlist bowed out after he suffered a training camp injury which required surgery.

Zepeda went on to face Farmer, also a former IBF junior lightweight titleholder. The bout was his third of a productive 2024 campaign and could come back into play for his first fight of 2025. It’s not the only option in play, though.

“Farmer is one of three names we are looking at for March,” Picos confirmed. “We expect to make a decision soon but want to keep William just as active as he was last year.”