William Zepeda is one contest away from a world title.

Zepeda fights Maxi Hughes, Saturday, March 16 and the bout will be broadcast on DAZN from The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (Chelsea Ballroom).

Saturday’s contest will be for the WBA and IBF eliminator – that means the number one contender spot in both divisions. Yet Zepeda’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions, is comparing the volume-puncher to a Mexican boxing legend.

“His punch output is incredible, I have never seen anything like it,” said De La Hoya. “Until [I went back to] my library and was watching some fights of Salvador Sanchez. That is who he reminds me of.”

Zepeda (29-0, 23 KOs) recalled his childhood at yesterday’s press conference and not legendary Mexican fighters. Zepeda talked about being mocked, and Las Vegas being the center of the mockery. The famous fight capital was used as ammunition to poke fun at his passion for professional boxing. 

“I remember when I was a kid people would ask me when are you going to fight in [Las Vegas], - kind of making fun of me,” Zepeda said. “Now I can answer them – I am fighting in Vegas this Saturday.”  

De La Hoya sung the praises of the main event fighter. Zepeda throws a lot of punches. Zepeda has stopped eight of his last 10 opponents. According to CompuBox, Zepeda threw 1,536 punches in his fight with Joseph Diaz Jr.

“He throws a lot of punches in bunches, and just wears you out,” explained De La Hoya. 

Hughes (26-6-2, 5 KOs) was on a seven-fight win streak until losing to George Kambosos Jnr last year. Many feel that Hughes didn’t lose that fight, but that is what the judges determined. Now Hughes, who is fighting better than he ever has – will challenge Zepeda for a chance at future glory. 

“It is pretty impressive,” furthered De La Hoya. “Maxi Hughes is no walk in the park. Maxi Hughes is a world champion. Maxi Hughes has been in there with the very best. Again – you can call it a test, you can call it the toughest fight of [Zepeda’s] life. You can call it whatever you want to call it.”