Lightweight William Zepeda views his upcoming fight against Giovanni Cabrera as a pivotal point in his career. He says a victory over Cabrera would elevate him to the next tier of fighters.
The two are set to clash on July 6 at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, in a bout promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and broadcast on DAZN.
Zepeda, 27, boasts an undefeated record of 30-0 with 26 knockouts, and is awaiting his career-defining moment. In 2021, he stopped Hector Tanajara Jr. in a highly anticipated matchup between undefeated prospects. The following year, he secured a unanimous decision over former world champion Joseph Diaz Jr. His most recent bout saw him force Maxi Hughes to retire at the end of the fourth round.
Facing the 29-year-old Cabrera (22-1, 7 KOs), Zepeda is hopeful that a win would position him for matchups against the lightweight division’s biggest names, such as Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson and Vasiliy Lomachenko.
“I am ready to fight,” Zepeda said with a chuckle, showcasing his newly honed English skills.
Cabrera, who trains with Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach, has proven to be a tough opponent. His only defeat came via a split decision to current WBA junior welterweight titleholder Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz. ProBox TV’s Shawn Porter, who at the time said he believed that Cabrera deserved the decision, was not alone in his opinion.
While Cabrera may lack knockout power, he compensates with excellent defense, as well as timing and movement that throws his opponents off track.
Meanwhile, Golden Boy has compared Zepeda to Mexican legend Salvador Sanchez. That is anything but faint praise.
“For me to build a legacy, I have to take on this type of fight and these types of fighters,” Zepeda said. “When you go the distance with Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, you know you have to be good and you have to be strong.
“We know he is a difficult and awkward fighter,” Zepeda said of Cabrera. “For me to get to the next level, this is what I have to do.”
