William Zepeda and Maxi Hughes are currently in the throes of negotiation for an IBF lightweight final eliminator, tentatively scheduled for March 16th in Las Vegas. This matchup is pivotal, as the winner will become the mandatory challenger for the victor of the Vasily Lomachenko-George Kambosos Jr. fight, which will determine the new holder of the vacant IBF lightweight title.
Maxi Hughes (26-6-2, 5 KOs), currently ranked #5 by the IBF, faces an uphill battle. Known more for his movement and less for his punching power, Hughes’s recent controversial loss to George Kambosos Jr. in July adds to the challenge. On the other side, William Zepeda (29-0, 25 KOs) comes off as the clear favorite. His impressive record, characterized by power and aggression, makes him a formidable opponent.
Zepeda’s approach is straightforward yet effective; he’s a high-volume puncher who relentlessly advances on his opponents. Unlike the typical awkward southpaws, Zepeda’s style is more direct and confrontational. This stylistic difference poses a significant threat to Hughes, who tends to rely on pot-shotting and mobility.
Throughout his nine-year career, Zepeda has been carefully managed, but his recent victories against notable fighters like Mercito Gesta, Jaime Arboleda, Joseph Diaz, and Rene Alvarado have significantly bolstered his resume. These wins have set him up for a potential world title fight.
However, Zepeda has faced criticism for reportedly turning down a bout against Shakur Stevenson, a fight that could have significantly elevated his profile. Many believe that had Zepeda accepted the challenge, he might have had a fair chance of securing a win, given his ability to close distance and exert pressure.
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