| LAS VEGAS (March 14, 2024): Undefeated danger and unparalleled knockout machine William “El Camarón” Zepeda (29-0, 25 KOs) of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico and his opponent, former IBO World Champion Maxi “Maximus” Hughes (26-6-2, 5 KOs) hosted a press conference today in Las Vegas. The world title contenders will participate in a 12-round IBF and WBA Lightweight World Championship Eliminator fight, which is presented by Golden Boy and is co-promoted with DiBella Entertainment. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 16 and will take place live from The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and broadcast around the world on DAZN. Golden Boy Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya, Golden Boy Partner Bernard Hopkins, and Zepeda vs. Hughes undercard fighters also participated in the event. |
| WILLIAM “EL CAMARÓN” ZEPEDA, LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER:“When I was younger, kids around me would ask when will you fight in Vegas to make fun of me. Well, now I can answer them. I’m fighting in Vegas this Saturday. I know Maxi Hughes is a great opponent, and that’s why we’re fighting him. And I’m just thankful with my teammates, Carlos Duarte, my team, my father, all my people from Jiquipilco where I trained every single day for this fight. I want to thank Golden Boy, I want to thank Eric and thank everybody for being here. I am ready for everyone in the lightweight division! |
| MAXI “MAXIMUS” HUGHES, FORMER WORLD CHAMPION:?”So very happy to be here. I’m here because of merit. The IBF have ordered me and William to fight, so you know, both of us are here on merit. Because we are the best next people in mind going forward. You know, William, we’ve watched him, we know what he’s about. And we’ve shown him that respect in our preparation. My team down here have put the working day in, day out, and on Saturday night, we’ll get that win and be a step closer to a world title.” |
| OSCAR DE LA HOYA, CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF GOLDEN BOY:?”On Saturday, fans will be treated to yet another outstanding Golden Boy card as we continue to pit the best versus the best with the fans being the winners regardless of who comes out on top. This Saturday, William Zepeda and Maxi Hughes will slug it out with a world championship title shot on the line. I expect an absolute barnburner in the main event and, as always, a stacked undercard that will feature exciting fights, some of our top prospects and big knockouts.” |
| LOU DIBELLA, PRESIDENT OF DIBELLA ENTERTAINMENT:“It took about 30 minutes to do this fight and three phone calls. And it was such a pleasure to work with professionals and to work with somebody that treats not only his fighters, but the fighter on the other side of the deal with the respect they deserve. And from me and Maxi’s team, thank you to Golden Boy.” |
| ###Zepeda vs. Hughes is a 12-round IBF and WBA Lightweight World Championship Eliminator fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions in co-promotion with DiBella Entertainment. The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand. For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, and DAZN.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing. Follow the conversation using #ZepedaHughes |