William Zepeda rose to the challenge and demonstrated ferocity that kept him undefeated against Tevin Farmer in a lightweight bout. An entertaining back-and-forth affair at times, Zepeda was awarded the victory on the scorecards, and with it the WBC interim lightweight title. Although Farmer was somewhat of a tough affair thanks to his slick counters and veteran craftiness, William Zepeda’s relentless work rate and constant aggression saw him firmly establishing himself as one of the division’s best. This was a split-decision victory for Zepeda for an even more significant match in the tough 135 lb division.
William Zepeda’s Positive Start and Farmer’s Comeback
The fight started with William Zepeda pressing, trying to make his opponent understand who was in control, gradually picking the work and putting the pressure on Tevin Farmer. By the third round, William Zepeda seemed to more accurately and more aggressively control the fight. Farmer, though, showed tremendous ability to come back and push quality counterattacks and good footwork.
In the fourth round, Zepeda was put down by a great left punch from Farmer. The knockdown in a way handed Farmer a brief momentary advantage, which was evident from the slip and counter. The farmer effectively used this, and he landed his precise strikes which Zepeda found hard to reset himself.
Recovery and Determination By William Zepeda
Nonetheless, age and energy helped Zepeda as the fight continued, and he was able to win the contest. After he lost seven points in a row, he was able to focus again and pressure Farmer enough that the latter was on the back foot from then on. Farmer tried to come back with fast, single shots in return, and William Zepeda’s constant pressure started to take a toll.
Referee Harvey Dock became involved momentarily to sort out some clinching in the later rounds of the match while the fighting was heated. In the ninth, William Zepeda began to up the work rate and began to commit more to the punches to get the better of his opponent. Farmer seemed to be getting a bit fatigued, and his counterpunches began to slow down as Zepeda continued to push forward.
A Crucial Victory For Zepeda
The last bell sounded as Zepeda started his journey as the WBC interim lightweight champion. The victory increased his KO streak to 27 and propelled him to a 32-0 record making him the new kid on the block in the lightweight division. Though Farmer got knocked out in the bout, the game proved that the 34-year-old former world champion is plenty desperate to fight.
With this victory, William Zepeda has secured himself the chance to fight for, and hold multiple lightweight belts. There might be a future bout expected from the fans with Shakur Stevenson if the trends are followed correctly. William Zepeda’s persistence and adaptability under pressure have positioned him for a strong 2024. This win also puts Zepeda in the right direction as he awaits more formidable rivals within the division, and this will further solidify him as one of the division’s premier fighters at the 135-pound division.
Conclusion
William Zepeda’s win over Tevin Farmer not only saw him extending his unbeaten run on the canvas but was also an incredible landmark in his career by claiming the WBC interim lightweight belt. The bout proved that Zepeda has a good heart and strong jaw, and it was a good matchup against Farmer, who is also looking forward to claiming the title. Although Farmer showed that he is far from washed up and has great reflexes/counterpunching skills and strategy, Zepeda outworked him with a pressing attack and energy.
