Josh Taylor gives his prediction for Dalton Smith vs Jose Zepeda fight
Although he has his own big night coming up, Josh Taylor has now cast his eye over the upcoming battle between unbeaten Brit Dalton Smith and three-time world title contender Jose Zepeda on March 23.
“The Tartan Tornado” Taylor has recently announced a rematch with bitter rival Jack Catterall after the pair fought to a controversial draw around two years ago, It has long been in the making and will finally happen on April 27th in Leeds.
One month before that, Dalton Smith will step up a level to fight experienced southpaw Zepeda, 34 from California, at the Utilita Arena in his home city of Sheffield.
Last time, rising star “Thunder” Smith, 27 trained by his father Grant, wiped out Liverpool’s Sam Maxwell with a one-punch knockout in the seventh round to add the Commonwealth super-lightweight title to his British belt.
“Chon” Zepeda has gone for world titles at super-lightweight twice before but fell short with a points loss against Jose Carlos Ramirez and an 11th-round stoppage against Regis Prograis.
Speaking to Boxing News, Scotsman Taylor assessed the forthcoming fight.
“It’s a good one, a good fight for Dalton at this stage of his career.
“I think Zepeda is slightly on the decline now. He’s had a couple of devastating losses so might not be the same force he was. His punch resistance might have gone a little bit but at the same time it’s a great development fight for Dalton to then progress to being a good world level operator rather than a domestic fighter so I think Dalton is very good talent and this is a great fight for him at this stage of his career.”
The fight takes place on March 23 at Utilita Arena in Sheffield and will be shown live on DAZN.