Zepeda next for Taylor?
During an extensive session at the World Boxing Council 59th Convention, at the Presidente Intercontinental Hotel in Mexico City, Jose “Chon” Zepeda (35-2, 27KOs) was officially announced as the WBC super lightweight mandatory challenger.
The reigning undisputed champion is Scotland's Josh Taylor (18-0, 13KOs), who has already been ordered to defend his four world titles to Brit Jack Catterall (26-0, 13KOs) on February 26 in Glasgow.
The Californian won the WBC Silver strap in 2020 against a former foe of Taylor – Ivan Baranchyk – and has defended it successfully on two occasions since, following a similar path to the man he aims to emulate.
Taylor won the same belt back in 2017 in his grudge match with fellow Brit Ohara Davies, stopping the Londoner dramatically in round seven. Davies is now about to face Ismael Barroso in a WBA World super lightweight eliminator, meaning he could also challenge Taylor once again, should he pass this tough test.
Taylor successfully defended the Silver strap on four occasions before becoming IBF World champion in the World Boxing Super Series semi-final with Ivan Baranchyk, then he unified the WBA and IBF in the epic final showdown with Regis Prograis in 2019.
A clash between Taylor and Zepeda would be interesting as “Chon” only really has one legitimate defeat on his ledger – against Jose Carlos Ramirez, who he pushed all the way to a mixed decision for the WBC belt back in 2019. Taylor's last win was against Ramirez, via UD, all three scorecards signalling he won by a clear two rounds.
Zepeda's only other reverse was due to an unfortunate shoulder injury sustained in the opening rounds of a fight with WBO World lightweight champion Terry Flanagan way back in 2015.
All eyes will first lead towards Taylor's domestic clash with Catterall next year.
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