In a thrilling rematch that kept fans on the edge of their seats, William Zepeda successfully defended his WBC interim lightweight title against Tevin Farmer on Saturday night at the Poliforum Benito Juárez in Cancun, Mexico. Zepeda, now boasting an impressive record of 33-0 with 27 knockouts, secured a majority decision victory with the scorecards reading 114-114, 116-112, and 115-113.
The fight was a hard-fought battle, with Farmer showing incredible heart despite suffering an early injury to his left arm and elbow. This injury hampered his performance throughout the match, but Farmer, whose record now stands at 33-8-1, refused to back down. “It was a great challenge,” Zepeda said after the fight. “I didn’t take this fight because I beat him [the first fight], I took this fight because it was a test, and I knew he was difficult the first time — he was even more difficult this time, and I thank him for giving me the opportunity. And I’m very grateful we had 22 rounds.”
The rematch followed a controversial split decision victory for Zepeda in their first encounter just four months prior. Fans were eager to see how the two fighters would adapt, and the atmosphere in Cancun was electric as they entered the ring.
From the outset, Zepeda established his dominance, utilizing a relentless offensive strategy that kept Farmer on the defensive. By the end of the fight, Zepeda had out-landed Farmer 344 to 152 in total punches, with a staggering 130 of those being body shots. Farmer, however, showcased his resilience and found his second wind in the later rounds, including a spirited 12th-round rally that raised hopes for a comeback.
“Nothing against Zepeda. He’s a fighter, he comes in there, he doesn’t make the scorecards, so I have nothing against him,” Farmer stated post-fight. “Like I told him, he’s a hell of a fighter — probably one of the toughest in the division because of his output. If you can’t keep up with his output or you can’t hurt him back, he will crush you.”
The night also featured a successful title defense by WBO and WBA strawweight champion Oscar Collazo, who stopped Edwin Cano in the fifth round to retain his titles. The undercard showcased several exciting bouts, including Joselito Velazquez defeating Adolfo Castillo by unanimous decision and Robin Safar stopping Roberto Silva in the fifth round as well.
The event commenced at 8 p.m. ET, with the main card featuring a lineup of promising matchups. Fans tuned in through DAZN to catch all the action, and the anticipation was palpable as Zepeda and Farmer prepared to face off once again.
As the fight progressed, Zepeda’s consistent pressure and effective body shots began to take their toll on Farmer, who struggled to maintain his usual pace. Zepeda’s strategy of targeting Farmer’s body paid off, allowing him to dominate the middle rounds. However, Farmer’s determination shone through, especially in the final rounds where he looked to mount a comeback.
In the 12th round, Farmer landed 27 punches, showcasing his fighting spirit, but it wasn’t enough to sway the judges. Zepeda, on the other hand, landed 52 punches in round five alone and maintained a steady output throughout the fight, landing over 20 strikes in nine of the twelve rounds.
The fight marked Zepeda’s sixth bout to go the distance, further solidifying his status as a formidable contender in the lightweight division. Farmer, who has now lost three consecutive fights, expressed frustration at the close decision but remained respectful of Zepeda’s abilities.
“I thought I dominated the last five rounds,” Farmer lamented. “But if I’m going to keep coming out on the wrong side of close decisions, I have to think about my future in this sport.”
With the victory, Zepeda not only retained his title but also positioned himself for potential high-profile matchups in the future, including a possible showdown with Shakur Stevenson. The boxing world is abuzz with speculation about what’s next for both fighters following this intense rematch.
As the crowd in Cancun erupted in applause for both fighters, it was clear that this bout had lived up to the hype. Zepeda’s victory and Farmer’s valiant effort showcased the spirit and determination that boxing fans have come to love.
Fans can look forward to more thrilling matchups in the coming months as Zepeda continues his quest for greatness in the lightweight division. The boxing community is eager to see how both fighters will bounce back from this encounter and what lies ahead in their careers.
In conclusion, the rematch between William Zepeda and Tevin Farmer proved to be a testament to the heart and skill of both fighters, with Zepeda emerging victorious once again. As the dust settles, the boxing world watches closely for the next chapter in their respective journeys.
