WATCH: William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes, live on DAZN
Zepeda, who hails from Mexico, lived up to the hype. The Mexican warrior threw punches like there was no tomorrow and completely overwhelmed his opponent. Hughes was game but completely overmatched and the result was never in doubt.
“Thirty days at the office, thirty Ws at the office,” said Zepeda via translator during his post-fight interview with DAZN. “We worked on [the game plan]. We attacked when we had the chance, but we didn’t overdo it because he could be dangerous.”It was a bright start for Hughes, who matched Zepeda’s work rate in round one and landed the sharper blows. However, that was small solace because the Mexican fighter went through the gears in the second and inflicted plenty of damage to head and body.
Nonstop action from William Zepeda 😤#ZepedaHughes pic.twitter.com/UhCdHLyWNq
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) March 17, 2024
The pattern was set and Hughes didn’t have a prayer. The Mexican star put together endless combinations, most of which targeted the Englishman’s mid-section and turned it bright red. It was incredible that Hughes didn’t go down.
This fight was an IBF and WBA title eliminator. Former pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko squares off against George Kambosos Jr. for the vacant IBF title on May 12, and the WBA belt is held by Gervonta “Tank” Davis.
“I’m the next champion of Mexico,” said Zepeda in English before returning to his native language. “I am ready for Shakur [Stevenson], for Gervonta [Davis], for whoever. Now, the person who has to do the homework is (promoter) Oscar De La Hoya.”
Hughes, 34, deserved another big fight after losing a contentious decision to Kambosos in July. Unfortunately, the amiable Englishman came across a rampaging young fighter in his prime and it proved to be a bridge too far. He falls to 26-7-2 (5 KOs).
William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes fight card
- William Zepeda def. Maxi Hughes via TKO 4; Lightweights
- Floyd Schofield def. Esteuri Suero via DQ 5 (2:07); Lightweights
- Eric Priest def. Jose Sanchez Charles via UD 10 (100-90, 99-91. 99-91); Middleweights
- Tristan Kalkreuth def. Marquice Weston via TKO 2 (1:33); Cruiserweights
- Joel Iriarte def. Levy Josue Garcia Benitez via TKO 2 (1:26); Welterweights
