Zepeda Earns Mandatory Challenger Status with Victory Over Hughes

On March 16 at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, USA, Mexican lightweight (up to 61,2 kg) William Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs) faced British Maxi Hughes (26-7-2, 5 KOs) in a WBA and IBF eliminator.

The fight concluded with Zepeda's victory after Hughes could not continue the fight – RTD 4, making William the mandatory challenger for the WBA and IBF lightweight titles.

This marks Zepeda's third consecutive early victory. In 2023, William fought twice, securing knockout wins against Jaime Arboleda (19-3, 14 KOs) and Mercito Gesta (34-4-3, 17 KOs). Maxi Hughes lost the IBO title to George Kambosos Jr. (21-2, 10 KOs) by majority decision.