By Dan Ambrose: William Zepeda (29-0, 25 KOs) says he needs undisputed light-weight champion Devin Haney subsequent after his win over the always-tough Mercito Gesta (34-4-3, 17 KOs) on Saturday night time.
Haney can be the man for Zepeda to face to select up his three remaining light-weight belts, but it surely looks as if a struggle with no hope of taking place.
William demolished Gesta in six rounds on Saturday night time on the Commerce On line casino, Commerce, California. Referee Jack Reiss stopped it at 1:31, with Gesta getting battered to items by Zepeda in opposition to the ropes.
Zepeda threw an unlimited quantity of punches tonight by means of six rounds, 618 in whole, and he was inconceivable for Gesta to take care of.
It wasn’t that Zepeda was throwing with monumental energy as a result of Gesta’s photographs had been equally exhausting, but it surely was the amount that was what made him so harmful.
The 35-year-old Gesta regarded spent a lot of the struggle together with his again in opposition to the ropes, which was an odd transfer given his expertise, however he didn’t have the youth, energy, or mobility to remain within the heart of the ring.
Zepeda feels he’s able to struggle for a world title now, and Haney has all 4 belts, so he’s the plain selection at 135 for the 27-year-old Golden Boy-promoted fighter to face subsequent.
Haney (30-0, KOs) is meant to be preventing WBC gentle welterweight champion Regis Prograis subsequent on December ninth. If Haney wins that struggle, he most likely received’t return to 135 until he can get a mega-payday in opposition to Gervonta Davis.
“I’m prepared for Devin Haney,” mentioned William Zepeda instantly after halting Mercito Gesta within the sixth spherical on Saturday night time.
“Thanks for Gesta and Golden Boy. I wished an skilled fighter, and he gave that to me; I’m going to maintain happening my option to be a champion,” mentioned Zepeda.
We received’t know for some time when Zepeda will get a title shot, however it might be a miracle if it had been Haney. There are some robust guys within the weight class that may give Zepeda quite a bit to consider, however unsure if any of them will select to face him after this efficiency.
Zepeda is a kind of fighters that’s extra bother than he’s price as a result of he’s not a PPV attraction within the U.S., and he has lots of energy and a excessive work fee that makes him not price preventing.
“Additionally, within the first spherical, I knew he was a harmful fighter, and I knew I needed to carry on working,” mentioned Zepeda.
HEART OF WARRIORS
What a struggle! #ZepedaGesta @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/LFiPDznS5u
— Golden Boy (@GoldenBoyBoxing) September 17, 2023