William Zepeda Sends Clear Message to the Lightweight Division Ahead of Maxi Hughes Fight

On Saturday, March 16, William “El Camarón” Zepeda (29-0, 25 KOs) and Maxi “Maximus” Hughes (26-6-2, 5 KOs) will clash in a 12-round IBF and WBA Lightweight World Championship Eliminator fight, promoted by Golden Boy and co-promoted with DiBella Entertainment. The fight will take place at The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and broadcast around the world on DAZN. Both fighters took part in a press conference in Las Vegas on March 15, alongside Golden Boy Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Partner Bernard Hopkins, and the fighters on the undercard.

Here is what Zepeda, Hughes, De La Hoya and Lou DiBella had to say about fight night.

William Zepeda-Maxi Hughes Press Conference

William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes

“El Camarón” was thankful for this fight but sent a clear message to the rest of the lightweight division: “When I was younger, kids around me would ask when will you fight in Vegas to make fun of me. Well, now I can answer them. I’m fighting in Vegas this Saturday. I know Maxi Hughes is a great opponent, and that’s why we’re fighting him.

And I’m just thankful with my teammates, Carlos Duarte, my team, my father, all my people from Jiquipilco where I trained every single day for this fight.” He added: “I want to thank Golden Boy, I want to thank Eric and thank everybody for being here. I am ready for everyone in the lightweight division!”

Read More: William Zepeda Stops Mercito Gesta In Six

Hughes showed his confidence at the presser: “So very happy to be here. I’m here because of merit. The IBF have ordered me and William to fight, so you know, both of us are here on merit. Because we are the best next people in mind going forward. You know, William, we’ve watched him, we know what he’s about. And we’ve shown him that respect in our preparation. My team down here have put the working day in, day out, and on Saturday night, we’ll get that win and be a step closer to a world title.”

Promoter Quotes

De La Hoya sold the whole card perfectly:  “On Saturday, fans will be treated to yet another outstanding Golden Boy card as we continue to pit the best versus the best with the fans being the winners regardless of who comes out on top. This Saturday, William Zepeda and Maxi Hughes will slug it out with a world championship title shot on the line. I expect an absolute barnburner in the main event and, as always, a stacked undercard that will feature exciting fights, some of our top prospects and big knockouts.” 

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Lou DiBella spoke on the ease of making the fight: “It took about 30 minutes to do this fight and three phone calls. And it was such a pleasure to work with professionals and to work with somebody that treats not only his fighters, but the fighter on the other side of the deal with the respect they deserve. And from me and Maxi’s team, thank you to Golden Boy.”

Check out the five most memorable Oscar De La Hoya Fights.