Diaz vs Zepeda: Crossroads fight

Joseph Diaz Jr. gets it. Check out the top boxing odds.

“I know that this fight is going to set up the winner with a mega fight,” said Diaz to a group of reporters last week. “I’m taking it very, very seriously. I’m taking it like it’s a “sink or swim” type of fight.

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Diaz is coming off a loss to lightweight world champion Devin Haney.

“This is my comeback fight,” said Diaz. “I think a lot of people are counting me out after my loss to Haney.”

Diaz, 29, is loaded with experience. He was undefeated when he fought super-talented Gary Russell Jr. in 2018. Diaz lost-no shame there, and fought well. A year later, Diaz, who had dyed his hair blonde, talked himself into a fight with Tevin Farmer.

Diaz, the underdog, defeated Farmer to win the IBF super featherweight title. He even fought differently—applying a more dogged and gritty style.

In June 2021, a bloody Diaz outlasted Javier Fortuna over 12 rounds in Los Angeles. The baby-faced fighter had turned into one of the dead-end kids.

“I think it (grit) comes with experience and the hard stuff I’ve been through inside and outside of the ring,” Diaz said via an email last year. I think it transformed me into a person that has to go and be a dog. I know now I have to dig deep and risk it all every time I step inside that ring”

Zepeda, 26, a native of San Mateo Atenco, México, is an aggressive fighter who throws lots of punches. The southpaw has stopped his last 15 opponents in succession. Zepeda made his debut in the United States in 2020 by knocking out Roberto Ramirez.

Seven months later, Zepeda stopped undefeated Hector Tanajara at the Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca. His year concluded with a knockout victory over John Vicente Moralde. In his last fight, Zepeda stopped 11-time loser Luis Videas in round three, and in his last fight, he won a unanimous decision over former champion Rene Alvarado. Zepeda is slightly taller than Diaz and three years younger. He also has less scar tissue. Zepeda says Diaz is the best fighter he has ever faced.

“I am ready to dance with JoJo and give him trouble,” said Zepeda.

Fellow southpaw Diaz respects Zepeda but feels his opponent’s style is hardly complicated.

In an article posted on www.boxingscene.com, Diaz said, “I just believe I’m on a whole other level.” “William Zepeda is just a one-dimensional fighter that’s going to apply a lot of pressure.”

Zepeda intends to prove Diaz wrong. Check out the top boxing betting sites.

“JoJo Diaz doesn’t know what he’s up against on October 29th,” said Zepeda of Golden Boy’s Camp House.

Diaz wants another crack at a world title. To get it, he must defeat Zepeda.

“I’m going to take on the toughest challenge that will bring out the best in me,” Diaz said. “I’m going to show the shrimp what it’s like to swim with the sharks.”

A check of the latest odds shows a 50-50 fight. Styles make fights.

Diaz is the better boxer. His inside game is solid. I see him winning by decision.