The lightweight division is an exciting place to be and unbeaten knockout artist William Zepeda will be one step closer to a world title fight if he can turn back the challenge of capable British contender Maxi Hughes at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on March 16.
This 12-round all-southpaw battle, plus undercard action, will be broadcast by DAZN worldwide.
Zepeda (29-0, 25 KOs) is widely recognised as the most powerful hitter in the 135-pound division. Last year, the Mexican star smashed his way through Jaime Arboleda (KO 2) and Mercito Gesta (KO 6) to establish himself as the WBC’s No. 1 contender.
WATCH: William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes, live on DAZN
"[Zepeda is] exciting," said Golden Boy Promotions president Eric Gomez on The 3 Knockdown Rule via BoxingScene. "He’s a throwback guy. He knows he’s gonna get hit. He does his best to keep his hands up but he’s just so busy. There’s an old saying in boxing, the best defense is a great offense. He's just like that.
"He wants (WBC lightweight champion) Shakur Stevenson. For whatever reason, there’s something he sees that we don’t."
Despite a modest record of 26-6-2 (5 KOs), Hughes has proven to be a high-quality operator. The former British champion is coming off a contentious 12-round split decision loss to Australian George Kambosos, who he appeared to have outboxed with room to spare in July.
The Sporting News now provides odds and a final prediction for this intriguing lightweight clash:
William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes betting odds
Per BetMGM, Zepeda is the -1000 favourite while Hughes is the +600 underdog. The draw is +2200.
MORE: All you need to know about Zepeda vs. Hughes
William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes trends
- Zepeda via KO/ TKO/ Tech. Dec/ DQ: -333
- Zepeda via decision: +400
- Hughes via KO/TKO/Tech. Dec/ DQ: +1800
- Hughes via decision: +900
William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes prediction, best bets
This is an intriguing clash of styles.
Zepeda is a relentless pressure fighter with serious pop and a desire to smash opponents into submission. Conversely, Hughes will be looking to outsmart and outmanoeuvre his man with quick feet and sharp counter punching.
While one can foresee Hughes having success early, it’s hard to imagine him sustaining his hit-and-move style for 12 rounds. The Yorkshireman is 34 years old now, and while he’s defensively adept in the ring, he’s not invisible in there.
As the rounds pass, Hughes will tire and that’s when Zepeda will begin to turn the screw. The more punches that land, the slower Hughes will become, the worse it’ll get.
I can’t see anything other than a Zepeda stoppage and I think he gets the Englishman out somewhere around the first half.