THE RESULT: The boxing whirlwind William Zepeda stops Britain’s Maxi Hughes after the away fighter’s corner pulls him out at the end of round four.
KEY MOMENTS: Hughes started brightly in the opening round, but Zepeda gives you opportunities if you punch with him which can lead to an opponent’s downfall. Zepeda got on top from the second round on and the relentless body attacks were brutal to watch. Hughes was brave but his punches began to sag and he had nothing left after 12 minutes of action.
RECORDS: Zepeda extends his unbeaten run to an impressive, 30-0 (26). The veteran Hughes drops to, 26-7-2 (5 KOs).
TALKING POINT: It is going to take a special lightweight to beat William Zepeda. While he has a phenomenal punch output, he is more than just a bull in a china shop with reckless abandonment. He will have to work on his defence going forward, but the WBC and IBF mandatory challenger is ready for Shakur Stevenson or the winner between Vasyl Lomachenko and George Kambosos Jr.
QUOTABLE: “Thirty different camps, 30 different wins. We worked during camp on attacking him when we had the chance. Don’t overdo it because he could be dangerous, but we worked hard, and this is what happened,” Zepeda told DAZN’s Chris Mannix post-fight. “I’m the next champion of Mexico. I am ready for Shakur. We’re ready for whoever. Whoever is on that list we’re going after.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? Zepeda is now the WBC and IBF mandatory challenger and will expect to fight for a world title this year. Hughes may ponder retirement or one final big night back home in the UK.
