When last seen by most boxing fans, Jonathan Cepeda was getting stopped by Lamar Russ on ShoBox back in 2012. However, Cepeda took some time off, reevaluated his priorities and signed with a new management group earlier this year. So far the move has paid off well for the middleweight, as Cepeda has run off three wins in the last three months.
Over the weekend in Springfield, Virginia, Cepeda stopped Lester Gonzalez (12-15-4) in the fifth round. Cepeda finished Gonzalez off with a left hook that sent Gonzalez staggering back to the ropes and then down. The referee immediately stopped the bout. Prior to this weekend’s win, the New York-based Dominican stopped Larry Smith (10-24-1) in three rounds in September and won via disqualification against Quincy Miner (3-8) in August. With the three wins, Cepeda’s career record now stands at 15-1 with 13 KOs.
After defeating Gonzalez, Cepeda was happy but intent on continuing to develop. He said, “I am training hard and improving my skills set daily. I am working to become a more complete fighter.”
Cepeda’s career was reactivated when he signed with Joseph Kran, the New Jersey-based owner of Kran Sports And Entertainment Management. While keeping Cepeda a promotional free agent until the right deal comes along, Kran is responsible for Cepeda’s surge in activity over the past three months. Kran feels that with three wins under his belt, Cepeda is ready for a bigger test. “Jonathan has always had the talent to become a great fighter’” said Kran. “Now he has the maturity as well. He truly understands that one has to be completely dedicated and committed to be a champion.”
