William Zepeda proves he's for real, out fights Joseph Diaz over 12 rounds

Sub Lead30-Oct-22by Bill Tibbs

This fight was indeed going to be a measuring stick to see where their careers are headed in the immediate future.

Zepeda defeats Diaz

In a bout that could see the winner headed to a championship fight in the near future, it was Downey, California’s Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. against Mexico’s undefeated, rising star, William “Camarón” Zepeda of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico in the 12-round main event on Saturday night from the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.The two fighters, clocking into work in perhaps boxing’s hottest division of 135 pounds, knew there could be some intriguing fights for the winner. Former IBF junior lightweight titlist Diaz, Jr. had his eyes focused on getting back on the winning track after facing Devin Haney in December 2021. He wasn’t returning soft in taking on Zepeda showing that he is ready and willing to take on the very best out there. Sounding very confident before the fight, like a guy who has indeed faced tough competition, he stated, “I am very excited to be back in the ring and do what I love,” said Diaz, Jr. “I’m going to take on the toughest challenge that will bring out the best in me. I’m going to show the shrimp what it’s like to swim with the sharks”, he said. “My experience speaks for itself”, he continued. “There is an A side and a B side and I am the A side."

Zepeda, looking to stay unbeaten and slot himself in a spot for a title shot with a victory over Diaz, Jr. was indeed looking to impress. In pre-fight pressers, he also was not lacking in the confidence department. “I am ready to dance with JoJo and give him trouble,” said Zepeda in the days leading up to the fight. “There is no A side or B side. This is a fight for the fans."So, it was two fighters with a lot on the line. This fight was indeed going to be a measuring stick to see where their careers are headed in the immediate future.

In the end, it was undefeated Zepeda (27-0, 23 KOs) that walked away with the win but he had to work hard to do it. Former IBF featherweight champion Joseph Diaz (32-3-1, 15 KOs) hung tough but came up short on the scorecards losing 119-109, 119-109, 118-110 across the board. In the end, the non-stop aggression of Zepeda had Diaz coming in second all night.

After the fight, Zepeda said, “I have learned that boxing gives you back what you put in. Now it’s time for us to rest up and wait for what is next in the division”.

In a packed, star-studded, 135-pound class, the options could be many.

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