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Add FightsATW on GoogleWho is next for William Zepeda?
Zepeda (34-1, 27 KOs) won the vacant WBC lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr. at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. The emotional victory marked a feat Zepeda had yet to accomplish as a pro – becoming an outright belt-holder. Zepeda, 30, now has the chance to reinvent himself after his lone loss to Shakur Stevenson and to become one of the lightweights of the generation. Zepeda’s performance forces us to reexamine his greatness and think deeply about where he stands in the sport.
Here are the top five potential opponents for Zepeda.
- Justin Pauldo
Why: Deserving of a title shot
Pauldo has resurrected his career on ProBox TV and has beaten some veteran opposition. If Zepeda were to take a “stay busy” bout, Pauldo has earned the nod to get that chance.
- Floyd Schofield
Why: A great young fighter
Schofield is also signed to Golden Boy Promotions, Zepeda’s promoter. He is a great up-and-comer with a lot of promise but has been out of action since stopping Tevin Farmer. Schofield looks the part of a star. He has main-evented cards and merits media attention but appears to be waiting to see what happens with the WBA title. If this fight could get made, what a bout it would be.
- Alan Chaves
Why: A promising up-and-comer
Chaves is a recent signee with Matchroom Boxing. He returns next month’s telecast against Eridson Garcia. Chaves is a healthy favorite in that fight and an explosive fighter. On paper, Zepeda versus Chaves has the elements of a “Fight of the Year”-type bout.
- Jadier Herrera
Why: He holds the interim WBC title
Herrera poses very little threat to Zepeda, but if we want to consolidate belts, Herrera should be afforded his shot. He won an interim title fight, no matter how bad he looked in it, and him holding an interim belt only creates ambiguity in a situation where that isn’t needed.
- Abdullah Mason
Why: WBO lightweight champion
Mason fought (and won) on the first card on TNT Sports, in collaboration with DAZN. Zepeda won on the second telecast. It appears they are the only two titleholders in the division, as Raymond Muratalla expressed his intent to move up in weight after his win in the co-feature, and the WBA title is vacant. It is the best fight in the division and a great fight that will build a star. Mason has a following, and so does Zepeda. One of them would go to the next level.
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