In anticipation of the Mexican Independence Day celebrations, William “El Camarón” Zepeda (28-0, 24 KOs) and Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (34-3-3, 17 KOs) organized a press meet before their significant 12-round fight for the WBA Continental Americas Lightweight Title tonight live on DAZN. This event is set to happen at the Commerce Casino & Hotel, with live streaming on DAZN. The Commerce Casino & Hotel welcomes guests from 3:00 p.m. PT. The prelim fights under The Golden Boy Fight Night: Zepeda vs. Gesta can be caught on YouTube and Facebook Watch from 3:05 p.m. PT. The primary DAZN stream starts at 5:00 p.m. PT/8:00 p.m. ET.
The secondary headline will have Vancouver’s Victor “El Tornado” Morales (18-0-1, 9 KOs) defending his WBA Intercontinental Featherweight Title against Edwin “Pupo” Palomares (18-4-2, 9 KOs) from Mexico City in a 10-round bout. In another highlight, Yokasta Valle (28-2, 9 KOs), the three-division and five-time world champ, is set for a spectacular 2023 return to U.S. grounds, defending her IBF and WBO Minimumweight World Championship titles against Maria Santizo (11-3, 6 KOs) from Guatemala City, Guatemala. Darius “DFG” Fulghum (6-0, 6 KOs) of Houston, Texas, aims to extend his KO run in an eight-round light heavyweight bout with Ricardo “Tyson” Luna (25-10-2, 16 KOs) of Mexico City.
Launching the DAZN live stream in an eight-round middleweight contest, the newly contracted Eric Priest (10-0, 7 KOs), now guided by championship trainer Ismael Salas, representing Wichita Falls, Texas, is set to fight Simon “Vikingo” Madsen (13-1, 10 KOs) from Denmark, currently residing in Cancun, Mexico.
During the prelims of The Golden Boy Fight Night: Zepeda vs. Gesta streamed on YouTube and Facebook Watch, Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (6-0, 5 KOs) of Denver, Colorado, will engage with Erick “Aidahoe” Benitez (4-4, 1 KO) from Guadalajara, Mexico, in a four-round super featherweight bout. Pinpon Reyes (10-0, 5 KOs) from Mexicali, Mexico, is set to test himself against Roberto Gomez (5-1, 5 KOs) from Mexico City in a six-round super lightweight contest.
Golden Boy’s recent signing, Gael “El Terror” Cabrera (1-0, 1 KO) from Sonora, Mexico, will join a four-round super bantamweight contest against Juan Centeno from Managua, Nicaragua. To inaugurate the Mexican Independence Day Weekend activities, Jordan Cervantes from East Los Angeles will enter a four-round lightweight contest with Giovanny Meza from El Paso, Texas.
WILLIAM ZEPEDA, WBA CONTINENTAL AMERICAS LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPION: “I’m incredibly driven for this upcoming fight. In boxing, I’ve always felt there’s no clear distinction between being the favored or the underdog. Going up against a top-contender like Mercito Gesta is a unique honor, and I eagerly await the chance to showcase what “El Camarón” brings to the table.”
MERCITO GESTA, GLOBAL LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER: “My journey in boxing isn’t a new one. The learning process never halts for me. I continually adapt and refine my style. With guidance from my coach, Marvin Somodio, I’m locked in and ready. The prospect of fighting an undefeated William Zepeda intrigues and excites me. When given this make-or-break opportunity by Oscar and Golden Boy – it’s a yes from me. I extend my gratitude to Golden Boy for this chance.”
VICTOR MORALES, JR., WBA INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION: “I’m grateful to feature once more on a Zepeda event, especially as the co-main event during a crucial weekend for us, the Mexican community. We’re all set and ready to perform. If Palomares plans on bringing the intensity, rest assured, we’re equipped with strategies for all scenarios. Whether up close or from a distance, our intent remains to secure another win.”
YOKASTA VALLE, CHAMPION OF IBF AND WBO MINIMUMWEIGHT: “I appreciate the media presence and a huge thanks to Oscar, Eric, and the entire Golden Boy team for this crucial fight against Maria Santizo. We’re fully prepared, ensuring fans get the spectacle they’ve been eager for, especially fitting for the revered Sept. 16 date. I’m buzzing with anticipation for the initial bell this upcoming Saturday.”
OSCAR DE LA HOYA, LEADER OF GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS: “September 16 stands as a hallmark date for boxing enthusiasts. Reflecting back, legends like Julio Cesar Chavez, Juan Manuel Marquez, and even I, have emphasized the significance of this date in the boxing realm. Presently, William Zepeda and Mercito Gesta are primed to showcase the essence of true fighting.”
“It’s intriguing to note the heightened fervor fighters exhibit on Mexican Independence Day. There’s a unique zeal, a blend of heart and soul, recognizing the significance of the moment. All spectators this Saturday are in for a series of spectacular fights.”
BERNARD HOPKINS, GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS ASSOCIATE: “All present here have a golden chance as we approach 2024. If you sense a lack of recognition in the boxing domain, now’s the moment to turn it around for 2024. Give it your best, remain focused, and remember, the global audience is tuned in.”
