Unbeaten Mexican star William Zepeda sent another message of intent to the world’s lightweight champions by scoring a shuddering third-round knockout over Giovanni Cabrera at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California, on Saturday. The official time was 1:58.
WATCH: William Zepeda and Giovanni Cabrera, live on DAZN
Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs) closed the show with a vicious flurry of shots inside. Mixed in with the combination was a perfect hand to the liver and Cabrera immediately took a knee. He listened to the referee’s count but didn’t get up on time and the fight was called off.
“I’m grateful for all the fans who have come out here, we’re going for that world title,” said Zepeda via translator during his post-fight interview with DAZN. “We worked on his weaknesses, and we were able to get the stoppage.
“There’s not an individual alive that can take my body shot.”
Cabrera got off to a great start in round one, peppering the favorite with an array of sharp shots from the outside. The lead right hook from the southpaw stance worked wonders although it was clear Zepeda was just having a look.
However, if you don’t have the punch power to keep Zepeda off, then you’re doomed and that was the position Cabrera was in. The Mexican volume puncher settled quickly and began breaking his man down to head and body.
The left hand to the mid-section that ended the fight was a beautiful shot and took Cabrera’s energy bar down to zero in a flash.
Zepeda, 28, is the No. 1 contender for every legitimate world champion at 135 pounds. The belts are held by Vasiliy Lomachenko (IBF), Gervonta Davis (WBA), Shakur Stevenson (WBC) and Denys Berinchyk (WBO). The Davis fight is a hard one to make politically, but Zepeda has earned his shot.
“Let’s take that belt from Lomachenko,” said Zepeda. “I want all four of the champions. I’ve already done my homework and now it’s time for (promoter) Oscar De La Hoya to do his homework.”
De La Hoya was interviewed immediately after his fighter and stated that Berinchyk was the more realistic option.
The 29-year-old Cabrera falls to 22-2 (7 KOs).
William Zepeda vs. Giovanni Cabrera fight card, odds
- William Zepeda def. Giovanni Cabrera via KO 3 (1:58); Lightweights
- Ricardo Sandoval def. Angel Acosta via TKO 10 (1:23); Flyweights
- Manuel Flores def. Nohel Arambulet via KO 2 (1:59); Super Bantamweights
- Pedro Campa def. Alex Martin via UD 10 (97-90, 96-91, 94-93); Super Lightweights
- Gael Cabrera def. Mychaquell Shields via TKO 3; Bantamweights
- Joshua Garcia def. Jason Buenaobra via MD 6 (59-55, 58-56, 57-57); Super Featherweights
- Anthony Saldivar def. Roman Canto via KO 2; Super Welterweights
- Daniel Luna def. Joseph Walker via TKO 1; Lightweights
- Japhethlee Llamido def. Ryan Allen via UD 8 (80-75, 78-73, 77-74); Super Bantamweights