ONTARIO, CA — William "El Camarón" Zepeda, fresh off his 30th victory over former IBO Champion Maxi Hughes, delivered another impressive performance by stopping the usually durable Gio Cabrera in just three rounds at the Toyota Arena.
Cabrera, known for going the distance with WBO Jr. Welterweight Champion Isaac Cruz, started the fight relying on his awkward stance and unconventional style. He managed to catch Zepeda with some solid shots in the first round. However, by the middle of the second round, Zepeda had adapted to Cabrera's style.
Following his trainer's specific instructions to either fight toe-to-toe or completely from the outside, Zepeda showcased his adaptability and skill. In the third round, he caught Cabrera with short, stiff shots at close distance, popping his head like a bobblehead before landing a powerful body shot that sent Cabrera to the canvas. Cabrera was unable to make the count, and the referee stopped the fight at the 1:58 mark of the third round.
“I knew my preparation was going to push me forward,” said William Zepeda. “I know I’ve been working. My discipline will always overcome anything. I was concentrated throughout the fight."
Post-fight, Zepeda expressed his desire to fight Ukrainian champion Denys Berinchyk if a bout with Shakur Stevenson cannot be arranged. Rumors of a unification bout between Lomachenko and Tank Davis later this fall have also been circulating.
In the co-main event of the Golden Boy on DAZN card, Rialto’s Ricardo “El Niño” Sandoval faced Puerto Rican former world champion Angel “Tito” Acosta in a 10-round flyweight bout for the WBC Silver Flyweight Championship, presented in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions.
Despite Acosta's champion-level experience presenting some challenges, Sandoval utilized his strength and speed to maintain the upper hand. Acosta remained competitive and unhurt throughout the fight. However, in the 10th round, the referee stopped the fight, declaring Sandoval the new WBC Silver Flyweight Champion via technical knockout, which drew boos from the crowd.
“I’m very satisfied with my performance tonight. I stuck to the game plan, using a lot of hand movement and defense,” said Sandoval. “I made him miss and countered him. I think the plan was very successful, and I am glad we got the victory. He is a great fighter, a former world champion, and I am glad to be able to share the ring with him.”
Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores from Coachella Valley dominated Nohel Arambulet in a 10-round super bantamweight bout, scoring a knockdown with a right hand in the second round and securing an early stoppage at 1:59 of the same round.
Opening the DAZN broadcast, former Team USA member Joel Iriarte thrilled the fans with a second-round knockout of Yainel Alvarez in a scheduled six-round welterweight bout.
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