William Zepeda (29-0, 25 KOs), the fresh, undefeated juggernaut from San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, is gearing up to lock horns with his first British adversary, the ex-IBO World Champ Maxi Hughes (26-6-2, 5 KOs). This electrifying 12-round scrabble is not just any fight; it’s an IBF and WBA Lightweight World Championship Eliminator, setting the stage for something massive. The spectacle, a joint hustle with DiBella Entertainment, is set to erupt on Saturday, March 16, with The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas playing host. The whole shebang will be beamed globally on DAZN, so no one misses the fireworks.
“I’m pumped for this mammoth challenge,” William Zepeda declared, eyes on the prize of world championship glory. “Maxi Hughes is a tough cookie, and I’m itching to trade leather with him on March 16. It’s my chance to thrust San Mateo Atenco into the global limelight. I’m all in to join the Vegas boxing royalty and snatch that world title.”
Zepeda, known for his unmissable, earth-shaking knockouts, has steamrolled his way through opponents, stealing the hearts of boxing aficionados. His claim to fame was demolishing former world champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz in October 2022, shattering records with a hurricane of punches. He’s coming off a thunderous victory over the sturdy Mercito Gesta last Mexican Independence weekend.
“My last US outing left a bitter taste – those judges robbed me,” grumbled Maxi Hughes. “But I’m coming back with a vengeance. Zepeda’s in for a shock; he’s never faced a storm like me.”
Maxi Hughes, hailing from humble Rossington, England, has climbed the ranks since his 2010 debut, hoarding titles like a boxing magpie. His crowning moment was seizing the IBO Lightweight World Championship in 2021, defending it twice with style. His last bout was a gutsy showdown with George Kambosos Jr. in July 2023.
“Zepeda’s like a bulldozer in the ring, and with a title shot up for grabs, fans should brace for an onslaught,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy’s head honcho. “Hughes has tangled with the best, and if Zepeda topples him, the sky’s the limit.”
“Maxi Hughes has fought tooth and nail for this title eliminator. His last bout with Kambosos Jr. was nothing short of spectacular,” added Lou DiBella of DiBella Entertainment. “Zepeda and Hughes are cream of the lightweight crop, and this bout will mint a rightful contender.”