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The primary names that come up when individuals speak concerning the light-weight division are Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, Shakur Stevenson and Vasiliy Lomachenko, all of whom are gifted and completed.
There are up-and-comers Frank Martin and Keyshawn Johnson, who seem to have uncommon expertise however are nonetheless within the means of proving they belong with the aforementioned stars.
Then there’s William Zepeda, who fights Jaime Arboleda on Saturday night time at Faculty Park Middle in Arlington, Texas (DAZN).
Zepeda (27-0, 23 KOs) isn’t as flashy or athletic as among the above. And he most likely doesn’t have the punching energy of Davis, who knocked out Ryan Garcia with a single physique blow final Saturday in Las Vegas.
However the 26-year-old Mexican’s mixture of total abilities, a world class jab, means to harm opponents and, maybe most notably, his work price make him an vital wild card within the fascinating race to turn into the king of the deep 135-pound division.
Zepeda made a loud assertion in his most up-to-date struggle, a break-through unanimous decision victory over former 130-pound champion Joseph Diaz Jr. final October.
He’s now ranked within the High 6 by three of the 4 main sanctioning our bodies (someway unranked by the IBF).
“There have been a number of feedback on social media that this was the hardest check of my profession. I handed this check with flying colours and now I’m able to face the perfect at 135 kilos,” Zepeda stated after the victory over Diaz.
The scoring was a sign of Zepeda’a dominance, 119-109 (11 rounds to at least one), 119-109 and 118-110. The winner’s streak of 15 consecutive knockouts ended however that was due extra to Diaz’s willpower and durable chin than any deficiency on Zepeda’s half.
What stood out most afterward had been astounding CompuBox numbers.
Zepeda broke the punch-counting outlet’s light-weight document for complete punches thrown in a light-weight bout, 1,536 (touchdown 398). That’s 128 (33) per spherical. He additionally set a brand new 135-pound mark for jabs tried, 787 (157).
CompuBox proprietor Bob Canobbio known as Zepeda a “punching machine.”
“William Zepeda just isn’t solely busy, averaging 103.9 punches thrown per spherical [but] he’s correct as nicely, touchdown 31.3 punches per spherical, practically double the light-weight common of 16.3 landed per spherical,” stated Canobbio, referring to the Zepeda fights CompuBox has labored.
That form of punch quantity might give even the perfect boxers problem. And it’s a part of the rationale that Zepeda’s handlers are so excessive on him.
“When you have got the likes of Shakur Stevenson as an illustration who is asking out William Zepeda, you realize that William Zepeda is doing one thing proper,” stated Oscar De La Hoya, his promoter. “William Zepeda is a fighter who’s on his means up, he’s a fighter who’s undefeated, he’s clearly a fighter who’s thrilling to observe.
“… He’s clearly able to step up.”
Certainly, if he can get previous Arboleda (19-2, 14 KOs) and proceed to win, it gained’t be lengthy earlier than Zepeda has an opportunity to show he belongs with the perfect.
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