Amid a jam-packed audience eager for Mexican Independence Day, undefeated boxer William Zepeda (29-0, 25 KOs) maintained his winning streak, securing another victory and holding onto his WBA Continental Americas Lightweight Title by overpowering Mercito Gesta (34-4-3, 17 KOs). Right from the starting round, Zepeda displayed relentless intensity, landing powerful blows consistently. This consistent pressure lasted until the sixth round when, for Gesta’s safety, his team signaled the referee to conclude the fight at 1:31. This thrilling night was broadcast live from the Commerce Casino & Hotel on DAZN.
“I’m geared up for the significant fights ahead, whether against Devin Haney or even Shakur Stevenson. I aim for the titles, and that’s my focus now,” expressed William Zepeda. “There are excellent fights waiting in my division. I have confidence in Golden Boy to steer me to a World Champion title. Now, it’s time for some rest and relaxation back home.”
In the event’s co-feature, Victor “El Tornado” Morales Jr. from Vancouver (19-0-1, 9 KOs) successfully held onto his WBA Intercontinental Featherweight Title. He took on Mexico City’s Edwin “Pupo” Palomares (18-5-2, 9 KOs) in a ten-round fight that lasted the full duration. Both fighters showcased their immense strength and resilience, with Morales managing despite a significant cut over his left eye.
Victor Morales Jr. commented, “I hope my performance tonight proves to Oscar and the team my determination inside the ring. I’m thrilled to bring our title back home.”
In another intense battle, Yokasta Valle (29-2, 9 KOs), a three-division and five-time world champion, successfully defended her IBF and WBO Minimumweight World Championship titles. She faced off against Maria Santizo (11-3, 6 KOs) from Guatemala City. The intense bout saw judges favoring Valle with scores of 99-91, 100-90, and 99-91.
Regarding her opponent, Yokasta Valle remarked, “I knew she came prepared, given her top-notch sparring sessions in Los Angeles. After a short break at Costa Rican beaches, I’ll be back in training, ready for my next fight on November 4.”
Meanwhile, in a spectacular performance, Darius “DFG” Fulghum (7-0, 7 KOs) from Houston achieved a second-round knockout victory over Ricardo “Tyson” Luna (25-11-2, 16 KOs) from Mexico City. Though scheduled for eight rounds, an unfortunate head collision in the initial round caused Luna an injury. Following a knockdown in the second round, Luna’s team decided to call it quits.
Kicking off the DAZN broadcast, Eric Priest (11-0, 7 KOs) representing Kansas City faced Simon “Vikingo” Madsen (13-2, 10 KOs) in an evenly matched fight. After eight grueling rounds, the decision went in favor of Priest.
The Golden Boy Fight Night: Zepeda vs. Gesta Prelims, streamed on platforms like YouTube and Facebook Watch, featured other exciting bouts. Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (7-0, 5 KOs) defeated Erick “Aidahoe” Benitez (4-5, 1 KO) in a super featherweight fight, while Pinpon Reyes (11-0, 5 KOs) clinched a victory against Roberto Gomez (5-2, 5 KOs). Moreover, Gael “El Terror” Cabrera (2-0, 1 KO) exhibited his growing skills against Juan Centeno (8-10-3, 1 KO), and newcomer Jordan Cervantes began his pro journey with a win over Giovanny Meza.