Maxi Hughes to Face Lightweight KO Specialist
As originally reported by Dan Rafael on his Substack, Golden Boy Promotions has now confirmed lightweight KO specialist William Zepeda (29-0, 25 KOs) will face British fighter Maxi Hughes (26-6-2, 5 KOs) in an IBF and WBA eliminator. The fight will be the headline bout on a Golden Boy card on March 16, shown on DAZN.
Maxi Hughes vs. William Zepeda Confirmed
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Zepeda and De La Hoya React to Hughes Announcement
On Rafael‘s Substack, he reveals what Oscar De La Hoya said regarding the fight: “Zepeda is a wrecking ball every time he steps into the ring — and with a title shot hanging in the balance, fans are going to be in for an offensive barrage from ‘El Camaron.” He continued: “Maxi Hughes has been in with the best of the best, and if Zepeda gets past him, the sky’s the limit.”
The winner of this bout will be in pole position to fight Gervonta Davis for his WBA strap or challenge for the vacant IBF title.
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The unbeaten Mexican was full of praise for Hughes: “I am excited for this big challenge ahead of me, and being one step closer to accomplishing my dream of becoming a world champion.” Zepeda added: “Maxi Hughes is a grand fighter, and I can’t wait to face him and represent my humble hometown of San Mateo Atenco (Mexico) on the world stage. I know Golden Boy wants to bring big fights back to Las Vegas, the capital of boxing, and I want to be part of that.”
Hughes Focussed on Winning
The Mexican fighter is returning to the ring following his sixth-round demolition of Mercito Gesta on September 16, 2023. Hughes last boxed in July 2023, when he gave former unified lightweight champion George Kambosos Jr. a scare but ultimately lost by a majority decision.
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Speaking on the disappointment of losing last year and the fight against Zepeda, Hughes said: “My last fight in the U.S., the judges broke my heart.” He added: “I won’t let them derail my career. I’m coming back stateside with the bit between my teeth. Zepeda hasn’t fought anyone like me before.”
