Jose Zepeda Ready To Put In Work Versus Flanagan

By Jake Donovan

Jose Zepeda remains in high spirits as he nears his July 11 showdown with Terry Flanagan, who enjoys hometown advantage for their matchup of unbeaten lightweights in Manchester, England. 

The knockout artist from California enters his first title fight—a vacant lightweight belt is at stake—in what also marks his first pro fight outside of the Americas. The thought of having to win the title on the road does not at all weigh on the mind of the 26-year old knockout artist. 

“I’ve only fought in Mexico and the US so it is definitely something new for me to fight abroad,” Zepeda (23-0, 20KOs) said of the upcoming experience. “I don’t mind coming to England, my promoter (Top Rank) told me there was a chance of going to England for the fight and I was okay with that. I’m strong and I’m prepared for it, it’s a new experience for me, I’m just going to go and do my job.”

Zepeda has done his job very well so far, coming in having knocked out each of his last four opponents in three rounds or less. Chief among his career credentials is a one-round blitzing of Victor Cayo, as well as his most recent outing—a 44-second stoppage of usually serviceable Armando Robles in April. 

Despite the quick endings produced in recent outings—and for most of his career fights to date—Zepeda is well-prepared for the possibility of having to put in work. In Flanagan, he faces a crafty southpaw who has only been down once in his career and undoubtedly will come in motivated not just to win the title but to appease his hometown fans. 

“This is my first title shot, I’m very happy and I’ll be ready. Flanagan’s a great fighter with a good record and he’s doing something right, I believe that I’m a great fighter also and my record says it,” Zepeda states. I think that this will be a fantastic fight and we’re ready to go the distance or if it ends fast. 

 

“When I go into a fight I never think about a knockout, the knockout comes by itself, and we will see on July 11th what happens. Since starting together in four rounds fights, Robert really knows his game, he’s been in the big league and we’re always ready for twelve rounds. Knockout or distance we’re prepared to win the fight.”