Stevenson continued to land the more telling blows and at a much higher connect rate. Zepeda stood directly in front of the unbeaten three-division titlist as he absorbed right hooks to the body and straight left hands. Action shifted to the center of the ring, where Zepeda fired off a body shot combination. Stevenson slid back and then shot his jab and left hand. Zepeda threw a flurry of punches on the inside, even if most were picked off. Stevenson landed a seemingly clean looping hook to the body, though referee Eddie Claudio cautioned him as if it was ruled a low blow.