Promoter Oscar De La Hoya has set his sights on a strategic move for his fighter, William Zepeda, following his impressive third-round knockout victory over Giovanni Cabrera. Here’s the exclusive breakdown of what’s brewing in the lightweight division:
Zepeda’s Dominant Display
William Zepeda showcased his power and skill by stopping Giovanni Cabrera with a decisive liver shot in the third round at the Toyota Center in Ontario, California. The win enhances Zepeda’s undefeated record to 31-0, with 27 knockouts, solidifying his position as a top contender in the lightweight division.
Targeting the WBO Title
De La Hoya aims to steer Zepeda towards a world title shot, emphasizing the WBO route and specifically eyeing WBO lightweight champion Denys Berinchyk. This strategic move is intended to elevate Zepeda’s profile before pursuing matchups with elite fighters like Shakur Stevenson and Gervonta Davis.
Keyshawn Davis Factor
A potential roadblock looms in the form of #3 WBO contender Keyshawn Davis, who is also in contention for a shot at Berinchyk. De La Hoya recognizes the challenge posed by Davis but remains confident in Zepeda’s capabilities and ranking, asserting that Zepeda deserves the opportunity to face Berinchyk first.
Berinchyk’s Skill Set
Denys Berinchyk (19-0, 9 KOs) presents a formidable challenge for Zepeda. Known for his exceptional skills and recent victory over Emanuel Navarrete, Berinchyk is a seasoned competitor who could test Zepeda’s mettle in the ring.
Path to Unification
De La Hoya envisions the Berinchyk-Zepeda clash as a fan-friendly bout that will propel Zepeda to the next level in his career. While acknowledging the difficulty of the matchup, De La Hoya emphasizes the importance of this fight in Zepeda’s journey towards unification in the lightweight division.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, De La Hoya plans to keep Zepeda active, possibly scheduling another fight this year to maintain momentum and readiness. He expresses confidence in Zepeda’s potential to become a superstar in boxing, highlighting his clean performance against Cabrera and immediate return to training.
Zepeda’s Mandatory Path
To secure a title shot against Berinchyk, Zepeda must navigate the mandatory route with the WBO, ensuring he remains focused and prepared for the challenges ahead.
De La Hoya’s Vision
Oscar De La Hoya remains optimistic about Zepeda’s future, envisioning him as a world champion who will face the best in the division, including potential matchups against Stevenson and other top contenders.
The Lightweight Division’s Rising Star
With De La Hoya’s strategic guidance, William Zepeda is poised to make significant strides in the lightweight division, setting the stage for compelling matchups and exciting developments in the coming months.
