Shakur Stevenson put on a boxing clinic in a thrilling victory over William Zepeda.Immense US talent and WBC lightweight champion Stevenson was making his second appearance of the year, having beaten limited Josh Padley in February.Stevenson went toe-to-toe with Zepeda in a thrilling clash in New YorkIt was a huge moment for his career, as his rise to stardom culminated in another headline show on a historic first boxing card at the Louis Armstrong Stadium.He took on a far sterner test in power-punching and undefeated 33-0 challenger Zepeda, who was gunning to cause an upset on his rival’s home soil.Stevenson was hoping his elite skills would be enough to get him over the line, and set up some huge unification clashes moving forward.He certainly had his resolve tested in a fan-friendly firefight which was far from lacklustre.But the champion’s class prevailed as the showdown went to the judges’ scorecards.And he was declared the victor, with the cards reading at 118-110, 118-110, 119-109.It was a truly impressive display, which silenced any doubters who questioned his fighting style and brilliance.Stevenson moved to 24-0 in his professional career and will be looking to deliver a similar display in even bigger fights in the future.It was a raucous crowd with both fighters being roared on at a packed out venue on the historic first-ever boxing bill at the Louis Armstrong Stadium.Stevenson and Zepeda tried to wrestle early control in a competitive and entertaining opening round with the challenger clearly forward-thinking and looking to put it on the champion.Golden Boy / GettyZepeda had his moments but was simply outclassed[/caption]The Mexican was quite clearly in no mood to roll over and it looked to be a tough night ahead for Stevenson, who was open to putting together combinations and exchanging.Zepeda was boxing well and wobbled Stevenson with a crisp right hand in the third, as the American got himself into an unlikely firefight.The crowd were seriously thrilled with the champion delivering on his promise to go fan-friendly and was boxing well, but Zepeda was walking him down with rhythm and intensity.Stevenson was the more accurate through the halfway point with his crisp blows but his foe was throwing with more output in an attempt to establish momentum.As the contest went on, Zepeda continued to try and make his way into the champion’s resolve.But Stevenson’s display was oozing with the class and the gifted southpaw was far more precise and varied with his work, starting to really turn the screw as the fight went on.Stevenson was simply too good again and silenced doubtersMatchroomIt continued in a similar fashion until the final bell with Stevenson in the driving seat and seemingly cruising to victory.Zepeda had given it all alongside Stevenson and the pair received a standing ovation as the final bell sounded.Ultimately, it wasn’t enough for Zepeda who was beaten on the night despite a bold attempt.Stevenson has the world at his feet and with performances like that, promises to grip the sport like greats of the past.