Zepeda vs. Hughes Set for IBF and WBA Lightweight Eliminator Mar 16th Las Vegas

Mexican lightweight sensation William “El Camaron” Zepeda (29-0, 25 KOs) from San Mateo Atenco is set to take on his first English opponent, former IBO World Champion Maxi “Maximus” Hughes (26-6-2, 5 KOs), in a 12-round IBF and WBA Lightweight World Championship Eliminator. Co-promoted with DiBella Entertainment, the event is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, at The Chelsea in The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and will be broadcast globally on DAZN.

Hailing from the modest town of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, “El Camaron” has impressed with victories over tough opponents, winning the admiration of boxing fans. His breakthrough came in October 2022 against former world champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, where he set three CompuBox records for lightweight, including total punches thrown (1,536), jabs attempted in a round (89 in round two), and attempted jabs (787). In his last outing, he knocked out the resilient former world title challenger Mercito Gesta during Mexican Independence weekend in the previous year.

Former world champion Maxi Hughes, representing Rossington, England, has a humble origin story. Since his professional debut on September 17, 2010, he rapidly climbed the ranks, securing regional titles such as BBBofC Featherweight, WBC International Super Featherweight, WBO European Lightweight, and the WBC International Lightweight title. Hughes became the IBO Lightweight World Champion in 2021 against Jovanni Straffon, defending the title twice. His most recent performance was a courageous showing against George Kambosos Jr. in July 2023.