William Zepeda has put the division on notice. His recent win in a WBA-IBF eliminator has made one thing clear — he’s no longer a rising star. He’s a title contender, and his name now belongs in the same breath as Lopez, Haney, and Davis.
But in a division this loaded, there are no easy roads. So how does Zepeda navigate the most competitive weight class in boxing and emerge as world champion?
Zepeda’s Rise: From Underdog to Contender
Zepeda’s dominant win over Maxi Hughes was a statement. His relentless pressure, sharp body work, and composure under fire proved he’s not just talented — he’s dangerous.
He’s now riding a perfect professional record and climbing the rankings fast. The big question? Whether his team plays it safe or jumps straight into world title waters.
The Lightweight Division: A Brutal Playground
Right now, the 135 division is a shark tank. With names like Teofimo Lopez, Gervonta Davis, and Devin Haney, every title shot is a war. Even without a current unified champ, the vacant belts aren’t free for the taking — they’re surrounded by killers.
BoxRec’s lightweight rankings show just how deep the talent pool is.
Strategic Route or Title Shot Now?
Zepeda’s handlers are now faced with two options:
- Straight to a vacant title fight, where the risk is high but the reward is gold
- One or two strategic fights to prep for the elite and sharpen tools under real pressure
While a vacant title sounds tempting, stepping into the ring against someone like Isaac Cruz or Shakur Stevenson could backfire if Zepeda’s not ready for that level.
ikely Opponents for William Zepeda
Some possible opponents for his next step include:
- George Kambosos Jr. – former unified champion with heart and experience
- Richard Commey – big puncher, winnable but still a test
- Frank Martin – a slick southpaw rising through the ranks fast
Each offers a different look — and all keep Zepeda moving toward the big prize.
Why Zepeda Can Go All the Way
What makes William Zepeda such a threat isn’t just his aggression — it’s how smart he fights inside the chaos. His volume, stamina, and ability to adapt mid-fight could overwhelm even the most polished boxers.
And with both the IBF and WBA titles currently vacant, the door is wide open.
Final Word: The Time Is Now
William Zepeda isn’t a dark horse anymore. He’s in the title mix — and now it’s all about timing. Whether his team rushes toward a vacant belt or takes the scenic route, Zepeda is one of the most exciting threats in the division.
And if he gets it right? We could be watching the next Mexican world champion in the lightweight class.