William Zepeda’s performance on Saturday was nothing short of spectacular, as he delivered a fourth-round TKO against an overmatched Maxi Hughes in an IBF/WBA lightweight title eliminator at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The relentless assault from Zepeda was too much for Hughes to handle, ultimately leading to his corner pulling him out at the end of the fourth round. Despite managing to survive the round, Hughes was visibly battered and bruised, with no fight left in him to continue.
Hughes did show some promise in the first two rounds, standing toe-to-toe with Zepeda and opting not to use movement to evade Zepeda’s attacks. However, it became evident that this strategy was not effective against Zepeda’s skillful ability to cut off the ring. The punishment Hughes endured in the third round was particularly brutal, leading to visible damage around his eye.
Following his impressive victory, Zepeda expressed his desire to challenge WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson or WBA ‘regular’ champ Gervonta Davis next. This ambitious goal was supported by Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya, who echoed Zepeda’s sentiment. The prospect of seeing Zepeda face off against such elite competition has fight fans buzzing with excitement.
In the co-feature bout, #4 WBA lightweight contender Floyd Schofield secured a victory against Esteuri Suero through a fifth-round disqualification. The match was marred by Suero’s roughhouse tactics, including a low blow that ultimately led to the disqualification. Despite the controversy, Schofield’s resilience and determination shone through, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the lightweight division.
Overall, Zepeda’s dominant performance and future aspirations highlight his status as a force to be reckoned with in the lightweight division. The events of the title eliminator and co-feature bout serve as a reminder of the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of professional boxing. As fans eagerly anticipate Zepeda’s next move, one thing is certain – his tenacity and skill make him a formidable opponent for any challenger in the ring.