William Zepeda and Maxi Hughes threw some verbal jabs in Las Vegas today, gearing up for their showdown. With the IBF and WBA Lightweight World Championship Eliminator on the line, these two are set to bring their A-game. Golden Boy is running the show, with a little help from DiBella Entertainment, making sure this fight doesn’t fly under the radar. Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins dropped by too, adding their star power to the mix. The fight’s on DAZN, so make sure your internet’s not acting up that day. For those who prefer the energy of a live crowd, The Cosmopolitan is the place to be.
WILLIAM “EL CAMARÓN” ZEPEDA, LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“When I was younger, kids around me would ask when will you fight in Vegas to make fun of me. Well, now I can answer them. I’m fighting in Vegas this Saturday. I know Maxi Hughes is a great opponent, and that’s why we’re fighting him. And I’m just thankful with my teammates, Carlos Duarte, my team, my father, all my people from Jiquipilco where I trained every single day for this fight. I want to thank Golden Boy, I want to thank Eric and thank everybody for being here. I am ready for everyone in the lightweight division!
MAXI “MAXIMUS” HUGHES, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION:
”So very happy to be here. I’m here because of merit. The IBF have ordered me and William to fight, so you know, both of us are here on merit. Because we are the best next people in mind going forward. You know, William, we’ve watched him, we know what he’s about. And we’ve shown him that respect in our preparation. My team down here have put the working day in, day out, and on Saturday night, we’ll get that win and be a step closer to a world title.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:
”On Saturday, fans will be treated to yet another outstanding Golden Boy card as we continue to pit the best versus the best with the fans being the winners regardless of who comes out on top. This Saturday, William Zepeda and Maxi Hughes will slug it out with a world championship title shot on the line. I expect an absolute barnburner in the main event and, as always, a stacked undercard that will feature exciting fights, some of our top prospects and big knockouts.”
LOU DIBELLA, PRESIDENT OF DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT:
“It took about 30 minutes to do this fight and three phone calls. And it was such a pleasure to work with professionals and to work with somebody that treats not only his fighters, but the fighter on the other side of the deal with the respect they deserve. And from me and Maxi’s team, thank you to Golden Boy.”
Undercard For Zepeda Vs. Hughes Finalized
The undercard of Zepeda vs. Hughes on Saturday, March 16, is jam-packed with Golden Boy’s top dogs throwing punches. The main event is a 12-round rumble for the IBF and WBA Lightweight World Championship Eliminator. You’ve got William Zepeda from San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, who’s never tasted defeat in 29 fights, clashing with Maxi Hughes from England, a bloke who’s had his fair share of wins and losses.
This brawl, a joint effort with DiBella Entertainment, is kicking off live from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and will be beamed around the globe on DAZN.
Floyd Schofield, fresh off a first-round demolition job on the Ryan Garcia vs. Oscar Duarte undercard, is back to protect his WBA International Lightweight belt against Esteuri Suero from Las Vegas. This 10-rounder is the co-main event, so expect fireworks.
Also on the DAZN show, Victor Morales, Jr. from Vancouver, Washington, is squaring off with Luis Nunez from Puerto Plata in a 10-round tussle that could lead to a world championship shot. Then there’s Marlen Esparza and Gabriela Alaniz going head-to-head once more, with Esparza’s heap of flyweight titles up for grabs over 10 rounds.
Kicking things off, Tristan Kalkreuth will face Marquice Weston in an eight-round cruiserweight clash, and Eric Priest is set to show what he’s made of in a 10-round middleweight bout against an opponent yet to be named.
Tickets to witness this spectacle of fists and fury are going for £162, £108, £81, and £43, not counting the extra charges. For those feeling a bit posh, a few Golden Boy VIP Experience tickets are up for grabs, complete with swanky merch and fight night perks. Grab your tickets at Ticketmaster.com or GoldenBoyPromotions.com