Boxing fans are in for an exciting showdown this weekend. The main event will feature the IBF and WBA lightweight world championship eliminator fight between William Zepeda and veteran contender Maxi Hughes. The two lightweights will square off on Saturday, March 16 at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada.
This 10-round showdown pits Zepeda’s perfect 29-0 record with 25 knockouts against Hughes’ experience and grit. While the former is the heavy favorite for this fight, the latter has proven he can compete and even upset highly touted prospects.
With an intriguing battle of styles between Zepeda’s power and Hughes’ boxing ability, this lightweight showdown promises to provide plenty of action. The winner will take a big step forward in his career, while the loser will have to go back to the drawing board. The stakes are high this Saturday night in Las Vegas.
When and Where?
Saturday, March 12, 8:00 pm ET at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, NV
Ring Walks Time:
(Estimated) 11:00 pm ET
Moneyline odds:
William Zepeda 1.064
Maxi Hughes 9.60
Where Can I Watch it?
DAZN
Why Bet on William Zepeda?
At 27, William “Shrimp” Zepeda looks to build on the momentum of his highlight-reel knockout over former title challenger Mercito Gesta last September. A win over the crafty Hughes would firmly establish Zepeda as a force in the 135-pound division and put him in line for a world title shot.
Zepeda’s aggressive style and knockout power have made him a force to be reckoned with. In addition, he likes to stalk opponents and take them down with heavy, accurate combinations. So far, very few fighters have been able to withstand his offensive onslaught.
At 27 years old and entering his prime, Zepeda looks poised to become a top fighter in the loaded 140-pound division. This fight against Maxi Hughes is his chance to make his case as an elite championship-caliber fighter.
Why Bet on Maxi Hughes?
Maxi “Maximus” Hughes, on the other hand, is looking to play spoiler and prove that he still belongs among the best lightweights in the world. The 32-year-old Brit is coming off a decision loss to contender George Kambosos Jr. but has otherwise been on a hot streak in recent years. Beating an undefeated fighter like Zepeda would be the signature win Hughes needs to get back into title contention.
Some of Hughes’ biggest fights were losses to Francesco Patera for the European lightweight title in 2018 and to Devin Haney for the WBC International lightweight title in 2019. However, he bounced back with a seven-fight undefeated streak before losing to Kambosos Jr. in his last fight in July 2021.
Hughes is known for his toughness, high punching power, and pressured fighting style. He likes to attack opponents with flurries of punches, particularly combinations of hooks to the head and body. His swarming style helped him overwhelm Hyland to win the British lightweight title. However, he was unable to cope with the cunning and boxing skills of Kambosos Jr. in their last fight.
Final Betting Analysis: William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes
On paper, Zepeda has a clear advantage in power and speed. He will want to use his slick boxing skills and hand speed to pepper Hughes from the outside while avoiding prolonged exchanges on the inside. On the other hand, the former needs to make a disciplined fight, staying active and mobile while picking his moments to step in with crisp combinations. He can’t get reckless or let his rival lure him into a fight.
For Hughes, his best path to victory will likely be through his experience, conditioning, and determination. He will have to make this an ugly, tough fight on the inside where he can stifle Zepeda’s offense. Hughes has to use angles and head movement to get inside Zepeda’s lethal left hand. Ultimately, if he can pull off a close, demanding fight in the championship rounds, his veteran poise could carry him across the finish line with an upset victory.
For rounds 8-10, Zepeda’s heavy hands will break Hughes’ guard. The Mexican’s power and work rate will simply be too much for Hughes to handle. Zepeda will take the win by technical knockout at the sixth and announce himself as a force in the 135-pound division.
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