William Zepeda has emerged as a dominant presence in the lightweight boxing scene, holding an impressive record of 32 wins, 27 of which have come by knockout. His most recent victory over veteran Tevin Farmer by a split decision at the Latino Night event in Riyadh has thrust him into the limelight as the reigning WBC interim lightweight champion. In the wake of this win, the 28-year-old fighter finds himself on the precipice of larger challenges within the division, specifically eyeing a potential showdown with reigning champion Shakur Stevenson.
Zepeda’s bout against Farmer was not merely a stepping stone; it served as a defining moment in his career. Over the course of ten rounds, Zepeda demonstrated remarkable endurance and striking capability, throwing an astounding 1,000 punches and landing nearly half of them. Despite being knocked down in the fourth round by a sneaky left hook, Zepeda’s resilience shone through as he regrouped and continued to press the action. This ability to bounce back from adversity speaks volumes about his mental fortitude and boxing IQ, attributes that will be pivotal if he is to challenge the division’s elite.
The bout’s controversial scoring—two judges awarding him the win with a score of 95-94 while one saw the fight for Farmer—highlights a common issue in boxing where volume punching can sometimes be overlooked in favor of more visually appealing shots. This could hint at potential challenges Zepeda may face in the future, especially when going up against more defensive-minded fighters like Stevenson, who tends to focus on evasion and countering rather than engaging in a slugfest.
Zepeda has expressed his eagerness to take on the WBC champion, Shakur Stevenson. Recognizing Stevenson’s tactical style, Zepeda believes that having faced a fighter like Farmer—who shares some stylistic similarities with Stevenson—will aid him in preparing for the championship bout. Zepeda’s confidence emanates from his successful approach to handling Farmer, where his relentless style positioned him to emerge victorious, despite the hiccup of a knockdown.
If their match takes place on February 22, as suggested, it will test Zepeda’s ability to adjust his strategy against a fighter whose defensive capabilities stand in stark contrast to Farmer’s. This upcoming clash is not just about titles; it’s about establishing Zepeda as a legitimate force in the division. He has to ensure his punch output and body work resonate more with the judges than they did in the Farmer fight.
While Stevenson figures prominently in Zepeda’s plans, potential bouts against other champions like Denys Berinchyk or Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis could prove to be even more enticing for fans. Both fighters bring their unique styles—Berinchyk with his well-rounded skill set and Davis with his explosive knockout power—which promise to result in engaging matchups. Zepeda’s aggressive style resonates well with the expectations of boxing fans who prefer action over technical skirmishes.
Many argue that fights against Davis or Berinchyk could be more stimulating than facing Stevenson. Zepeda himself seems aware of this sentiment and has acknowledged that his fighting style is better suited for matchups against fighters willing to engage rather than evade. His mention of both champions in interviews indicates an openness to explore various paths, ensuring that fans remain excited about his career trajectory.
As he sets his sights on the future, William Zepeda embodies the spirit of a contender ready to seize his opportunity on the biggest stage. His recent victory over Tevin Farmer and the potential fight with Shakur Stevenson could either solidify his standing in the lightweight division or serve as a learning experience for subsequent challenges. Regardless of who he faces next, Zepeda has proven that he is not only capable but eager to deliver action-packed performances that underscore his ambition. As he trains rigorously for the battles ahead, boxing fans are left anticipating the next chapter in Zepeda’s journey—one that promises excitement and competition that defines the sport.
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