By Gav Duthie: The roller coaster ride continues with regards to the destination of the WBO Lightweight title. On May 1st Mexican Raymundo Beltran finally won a scheduled title fight at the third time of asking but unfortunately he couldn’t make weight so his title was still vacant. The title hasn’t had an owner since Terrence Crawford moved up to challenge for the 140lb version of the WBO. Now a completely new fight has been ordered between undefeated duo Terry Flanagan 27-0 (10) and Jose Zepeda 23-0 (20).
The story so far
This is a lot to follow so bare with me. After Crawford vacated the title a fight was ordered between the number 1 and 2 contenders, former WBO champion Juan Diaz and Takahiro Ao. Diaz pulled out with an injury leaving two time challenger Raymundo Beltran to step in. Beltran couldn’t make the 135 lb limit So the title was only available or Ao if he won. Beltran knocked him out in 3 rounds so the title again became vacant. The WBO have decided not to let Beltran get another crack at it as failing to make weight is sacrilege in a title fight. They have now turned to #2 ranked Terry Flanagan and #5 Jose Zepeda.
The fighters
Flanagan’s promoter, Frank Warren (Queensbury) and Zepeda’s promoter Bob Arum (Top Rank) have agreed not to go to purse bids. It is likely an easier sell in the UK so by all accounts Flanagan will get home advantage in Manchester.
The stats
Both are 25 years old and arguably coming into their prime. They have similar undefeated records with the power advantage largely in favour of Zepeda with 23 knockouts to Flanagan’s 10. Terry has fought the much better level of opposition though with a win over former champion Nate Campbell, a prize fighter winner beating Derry Matthews and Gary Sykes and recently won the WBO European title against Stephen Ormond. Zepeda has fought mostly in Mexico and his best win was probably his last a first round knockout over Armando Robles.
Styles
Both fighters are southpaws with Zepeda using the jab to set up the big straight left. Flanagan will welcome this as he likes to fight on the back foot and counter punch. Flanagan is also a southpaw with a good reach but also likes to fight on the inside. He has a good workrate off the ropes whereas Zepeda looks to land bigger single shots. The question of course is who can handle the other fighters strengths better.
Prediction
I think Flanagan has a good chin although it hasn’t been tested at this level. Zepeda will need the knockout and I don’t think he will get it so I have to fancy Flanagan by decision.
Comments are closed.