Jose Zepeda gets first major title shot on July 11

Jun

Jose Zepeda enters the lions den on July 11, when he fights far from his La Puente, Calif. home against local favorite Terry Flanagan in Manchester, England for the vacant WBO lightweight title.

Zepeda, 26, has been a pro since winter of 2009, winning all 23 of his fights, 20 inside the distance.

Although he has seldom fought outside California or Mexico, it’s not something that bothers him.

“I’m excited to be going to England and fight,” Zepeda told RingTV.com, last week prior to leaving for his training camp. “I feel comfortable fighting anywhere. I know I will bring my ‘A’ game. I would have loved to fight for the title back home but I am excited for this opportunity.”

The Zanfer-promoted fighter has appeared on several Top Rank Promotions cards throughout his career.

He has made good use of those opportunities – winning twice this year – showing his vaunted power. He knocked out respected journeymen Orlando Vazquez (KO 2) and Armando Robles (KO 1), last January and April, respectively.

Zepeda is respectful of the undefeated Flanagan (27-0, 10 knockouts) and what he brings to the fight.

“I think Terry is a great fighter. Both of us are undefeated and I’m ready for a great fight,” he said. “I don’t take anything away from him. We will both be prepared. I know we are going to give the fans a great fight!”

For the next six weeks, Zepeda will be in training camp working hard to get himself in the best shape of his life: “My plan is just to train and work as I always do. I am preparing for a 12-round fight.”

Zepeda is managed by Mike Hernandez Sr. and his son, Robb. They run a Chevrolet dealership in Monterey Park, Calif.

Hernandez, famed for being Oscar De La Hoya’s senior adviser for seven years in the 1990s, says both lightweights are very good fighters: “I think it’s going to be a good fight. [Flanagan]’s a boxer; Jose’s a puncher. Somebody’s gonna get knocked out!”

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