ONTARIO, CA — Rising light-weight boxer William Zepeda and his promoter Oscar de la Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions are concentrating on fights in opposition to the likes of Denis Berinchyk, Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, and Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Recent off his damaging, third-round knockout win over Giovanni Cabrera on the Toyota Area in Ontario, California, comparisons have been immediately drawn to Zepeda’s compatriot Cruz, who might solely eke a cut up choice win over Cabrera once they fought final 12 months.
Zepeda, in distinction to Cruz, punished Cabrera to the physique. He hit him so exhausting that Cabrera mentioned he simply bodily couldn’t get again to his ft in time to beat the depend.
The 28-year-old Zepeda, although, desires all comparisons to cease — for now. “I can’t evaluate myself to different fighters, that’s not my job,” he informed World Boxing Information and different reporters Saturday.
“Pitbull can’t say that he’s higher than me. I can’t say I’m higher than Pitbull. The one means we will decide that’s after we’re within the ring within the center, dealing with one another.”
One other fighter Zepeda seems to be concentrating on is the two-time Olympic gold medal-winning fighter Lomachenko. “We all know that types make fights,” Zepeda mentioned of such a match-up.
“We all know that my fashion is an aggressive fashion. He’s identified to be an idol, and it’s a dream of mine to get within the ring and battle an idol [because] I need to grow to be an idol myself. These are the kinds of fights I would like.”
Lastly, he informed WBN and different reporters: “I’ve fought some nice opposition, and I really feel I’m on the highest of the division. We’re going to search for the chance to grow to be world champion.”
That chance to grow to be a world champion will probably come via the WBO route, the place Zepeda is ranked behind solely the champion of that group — Berinchyk.
“I believe that’s an awesome battle and a fan-friendly battle which is able to take Zepeda to the subsequent stage,” De La Hoya informed World Boxing Information and different reporters. “After which we go after the unifications,” he mentioned. “I’d love Zepeda to be world champion when he faces Shakur Stevenson.”
The promoter continued: “Think about Zepeda in opposition to Pitbull! Whoever! He’s the primary contender in each group.
“I actually suppose Willam Zepeda is without doubt one of the most fun fighters in boxing at the moment, particularly at 135. We now have a future celebrity on our palms.”
Alan Dawson is World Boxing Information Lead Author, a 2 x Sports activities Journalist of the Yr finalist, and 5 x BWAA awards winner. Comply with Alan @AlanDawsonSport.
