Lightweight contenders Joseph ‘JoJo’ Diaz and William Zepeda will square off on November 5, it was announced on Saturday night’s DAZN stream.
The clash between the two southpaw fighters should be an action fight, as both fighters are known for forward and throwing a high volume of punches. Diaz and Zepeda are ranked 7 and 9, by The Ring, respectively.
Diaz (32-2-1, 15 knockouts), who resides in Downey, California, has not fought since losing to Devin Haney by unanimous decision on December 4. Haney was defending his WBC world lightweight title and is currently the Ring Magazine lightweight champion.
Less than five months before the loss to Haney, Diaz defeated Javier Fortuna by unanimous decision.
The 29-year-old first won a world title in January 2020, defeating Tevin Farmer by unanimous decision. Diaz was to make the first defense of the IBF world junior lightweight title against Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov, but was stripped of the title the day before after weighing in over three pounds at the weigh-in. With only Rakhimov eligible to win the title, the fight went on as scheduled, but ended in a split-decision draw.
Diaz first challenged for a world title belt in May 2018, losing by unanimous decision to then-WBC world featherweight titleholder Gary Russell, Jr.
Zepeda (26-0, 23 KOs), who resides in San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, earned a hard-fought unanimous decision win over former junior lightweight contender Rene Alvarado in his last bout on May 14. The decision win over Alvarado snapped a string of 15 consecutive knockout victories.
The 26-year-old made his United States debut in November 2020, stopping Roberto Ramirez in the fifth round. Less than eight months after the win over Ramirez, in a clash of unbeaten lightweights, Zepeda battered Hector Tanajara before the fight was stopped after the sixth round. Robert Garcia, Tanajara’s trainer, threw in the towel to prevent his fighter from receiving further punishment.
Zepeda is managed by Jaime Picos.
No word yet on which venue and city the Diaz-Zepeda fight will take place.
Last edited by Ruthless-RKO on 08 Sep 2022, 12:18, edited 5 times in total.
Out to prove they are worthy of fighting for a world championship fight in the near future, South El Monte’s Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (32-2-1, 15 KOs) will face Mexico’s undefeated rising star, William “Camarón” Zepeda (26-0, 23 KOs) of San Mateo Atenco, Mexico in a dangerous, 12-round lightweight main event that will be broadcast live worldwide exclusively on DAZN on Saturday, November 5.
In the crossroads matchup, former IBF junior lightweight titlist Diaz, Jr. has his eyes locked on continuing his campaign to take over the lightweight division despite a minor setback after facing Devin Haney in December 2021. By taking on this fight, Diaz, Jr. proves, yet again, that he is willing to take on any of the toughest challengers.
“I am very excited to be back in the ring and do what I love,” said Diaz, Jr. “I’m going to take on the toughest challenge that will bring out the best in me. I’m going to show the shrimp what it's like to swim with the sharks.”
Undefeated Zepeda will be looking to climb the ranks with a victory over Diaz, Jr. giving him a spot to become a top contender for a world title. With an impressive knockout ratio over 90 percent, Zepeda will be looking to impress fans with his aggressive style.
“I am ready to dance with JoJo and give him trouble,” said Zepeda.
“This fight proves that Golden Boy Promotions isn’t scared to put its fighters in tough matches to give fight fans the boxing entertainment they’re looking for,” said Oscar De La Hoya. “JoJo Diaz, Jr. and William Zepeda are both hungry fighters ready to put their reputation on the line to prove they are worthy contenders in the lightweight division. Both are aggressive southpaw fighters who come forward and are unafraid to give fans a show.”
“The lightweight division continues to be one of the most compelling in boxing today and this exciting matchup between JoJo Diaz, Jr. and William Zepeda is going to be an exciting showdown between two serious contenders,” said Joseph Markowski, EVP, DAZN. “We look forward to broadcasting this event worldwide on DAZN as part of an ever-growing lineup of fight nights this fall.”
More information on the venue, tickets, and the undercard will be announced in the coming weeks.
The crossroads, 12-round lightweight main event fight featuring Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (32-2-1) and Mexico’s undefeated rising star, William “Camarón” Zepeda (26-0, 23 KOs) has been rescheduled to take place on Saturday, Oct. 29. Fight fans will now be able to enjoy the make-or-break fight a week earlier, as the event was previously announced for Saturday, Nov. 5.
A fight for their careers, the dangerous combat is set to take place at the Pechanga Arena San Diego and will be broadcast live worldwide exclusively on DAZN.
“I’m ready to put on a great performance for my comeback fight in front of everyone that will be attending in San Diego and who will be tuned in live on DAZN,” said JoJo Diaz.
“Now that my fight is formally announced to be in San Diego, I am looking forward to battling JoJo Diaz in front of all the fans in that great city,” said William Zepeda. “I have seen the crowds there, and they’re loud so I expect nothing less on October 29.”
With over 125 live entertainment events annually, Pechanga Arena is San Diego’s leading destination for sporting events, family shows, and concerts.
“Pechanga Arena is the historic home to some of boxing’s most storied fights,” said General Manager Steve Tadlock. “We look forward to building on this legacy, and partnering with Golden Boy Promotions on the Diaz, Jr. vs. Zepeda fight to create and deliver a winning guest experience.”
Tickets for Diaz, Jr. vs. Zepeda go on sale Friday, Sept. 9, at 10 a.m. PT and are priced at $125, $80, $60, $40 and $25 not including applicable service charges. Tickets will be available for purchase at AXS.com, PechangaArenaSD.com and GoldenBoyPromotions.com.
Press Release | Alexis Rocha vs. Jesus Perez Added
Welterweight Alexis “Lex” Rocha (20-1, 13 KOs) will return to the ring as the co-feature to Saturday, Oct. 29’s 12-round main event match between former IBF Super Featherweight World Champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (32-2-1, 15 KOs) and undefeated lightweight division ace William “El Camarón” Zepeda (26-0, 23 KOs). Rocha will defend his NABO Welterweight title against hungry challenger from Tijuana, Mexico, Jesus “Ricky” Perez (24-3, 18 KOs) in a 10-round fight to be broadcast worldwide on DAZN and live from the Pechanga Arena San Diego.
“All I care about is stepping into the ring and knocking out my opponents. That is my mindset,” said Alexis Rocha. “As long as I keep knocking opponents out, knocking them down, making them quit, or breaking them down, my opportunities will come and eventually none of the top names will be able to ignore me. That is my mission and that is all I care about. I’m coming for every top fighter.”
“This is a great opportunity for me,” said Jesus Perez. “I know the odds are stacked against me, but I will be more than ready on Oct. 29! Let's hope my opponent is as well so we can give the fans a show.”
The DAZN broadcast will also feature a world title fight starring Chimba, Argentina’s IBF Female World Champion Leonela Yudica (17-0-3), who will defend her belt against Monterrey, Mexico’s Arely “Ametralladora” Mucino (31-3-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round scrap. Mucino has been on the prowl for another world title opportunity, and will be looking to impress yet again with famed trainer Joel Diaz in her corner.
Opening up the DAZN portion of the night, undefeated Hector Valdez, Jr. (15-0, 8 KOs) of Dallas, Texas will face Las Vegas, Nevada’s Max Ornelas (15-0-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight fight. Valdez, Jr. was last seen in April on the Garcia vs. Tagoe undercard securing a unanimous decision victory over Daniel Colula Moncada.
The main event for Golden Boy Fight Night: Diaz, Jr. vs. Zepeda Prelims on the Golden Boy Boxing YouTube will be San Diego’s Jorge “El Niño” Chávez (3-0, 3 KOs) who will participate in a six-round super featherweight fight against Houston, Texas's Adrian Leyva (3-3-2, 1 KO). Japhethlee Llamido of Long Beach will engage in an eight-round featherweight fight against Houston's Pablo Cruz ( 22-5-1, 6 KOs). Also on the prelim card, Jan “Nito” Salvatierra (8-2, 4 KOs) from Los Cabos, Mexico will face Robert Ledesma (3-8, 2 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas in a four-round flyweight fight.
Representing Waianae, Hawaii, Dalis Kaleiopu (3-0, 3 KOs) will engage in a four-round super featherweight match against Fort Myers, Florida’s Jeremiah Potts (2-0, 2 KOs). Opening up the Diaz, Jr. vs. Zepeda fight night and the Golden Boy Fight Night Prelims stream, also from Waianae, Asa “Ace” Stevens (2-0, 1 KO) will collide with San Diego’s Mychaquell Shields (pro-debut) in a four-round super bantamweight match.
The list of events can be found below. Date and time are local (PT).
Wednesday, October 26
Diaz vs Zepeda media workout is on Wednesday, October 26 at The BXNG Club – East Village. The start time is 2 pm. The list of participants includes Jesus Perez, Leonela Yudica, Jorge Chavez, Hector Valdez Jr., Arely Mucino, Alexis Rocha, William Zepeda and Joseph Diaz Jr. The event is open to the public.
Thursday, October 27
The final Diaz vs Zepeda pre-fight press conference is held on Thursday, October 27 at Nova SD Rooftop. The press conference start time is 12:30 pm for the undercard followed by the main card at 1 pm.
Friday, October 28
The official Diaz vs Zepeda weigh-in ceremony is conducted on Friday, October 28 at Nova SD Rooftop. The weigh-in start time is 12:30 pm for the undercard followed by the main card at 1 pm. The event is open to the public.
Saturday, October 29
Diaz vs Zepeda fight date is Saturday, October 29. The location is Pechanga Arena San Diego in San Diego, California. Doors open 2 pm.
The first fight starts at 2:10 pm. The DAZN broadcast begins at 5 pm PT / 8 pm ET.
The post-fight press conference follows as the action inside the boxing ring concludes.
Ahead of their crossroads clash, former IBF Super Featherweight World Champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, Jr. (32-2-1, 15 KOs) and undefeated, rising lightweight division star William “El Camarón” Zepeda (26-0, 23 KOs) hosted a media workout at the BXNG CLUB in San Diego for their upcoming 12-round crossroads fight. The match is set to take place at the Pechanga Arena San Diego this Saturday, Oct. 29 on DAZN.
Also a part of the media workout, co-main event Alexis “Lex” Rocha (20-1, 13 KOs) will defend his NABO Welterweight title against hungry challenger from Tijuana, Mexico, Jesus “Ricky” Perez (24-3, 18 KOs) in a 10-round fight. Monterrey, Mexico’s Arely Mucino (31-3-2, 11 KOs) will challenge Chimba, Argentina’s World Champion Leonela Yudica (17-0-3) for the IBF Female Flyweight World Title in a 10-round match. Dallas, Texas’s Hector Valdez, Jr. (15-0, 8 KOs) will open the DAZN broadcast in a 10-round super bantamweight fight against Las Vegas, Nevada’s Max Ornelas (15-0-1, 5 KOs).The main event for Golden Boy Fight Night: Diaz, Jr. vs. Zepeda Prelims on the Golden Boy Boxing YouTube will be Jorge “El Niño” Chávez (3-0, 3 KOs) who will participate in a six-round super featherweight fight against Houston, Texas’s Adrian Leyva (3-3-2, 1 KO).
Here’s what the fighters had to say:
JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, FORMER IBF SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“I know this fight is a really tough fight. It’s sink or swim. I’m a warrior – I have that in me and I’ll fight anyone. I want to fight the best. I want to always challenge myself.
“I’m always progressing – even my losses, I don’t look at them as losses. I look at them as lessons learned. Zepeda is one tough gunner, and I know he’s hungry for a title shot which will make this an incredible fight for me personally because he’s going to come forward and be aggressive.”
WILLIAM “EL CAMARÓN” ZEPEDA, UNDEFEATED SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“I had a really great training camp. I know I have a complicated fight ahead of me but I am very motivated with an excellent preparation like always.
“I’m used to training at a high altitude [10,000 feet above sea level in Jiquipilco, Mexico]. We really enjoy training there because we are very focused on training.
“I was very excited when I got the call for this fight. I’ve always wanted these types of opportunities. I’ve trained really hard for this, and this fight won’t be the exception. We are very concentrated and focused because we know this is a big opportunity.”
ALEXIS “LEX” ROCHA, NABO WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“I’m a quiet guy, but when I go in the ring I let my hands do the talking. I just love what I do. A lot of people have turned me down. A lot of big names, but that’s just the way it is. I have “Ricky” Perez in front of me and I have a job to do.
“My whole mentality is just different since my loss to Rashidi Ellis. It’s a kill or be killed mentality inside the ring now. I know my opponent will come in very determined, and very motivated to win.”
JESUS “RICKY” PEREZ, WELTERWEIGHT FIGHTER:
“This is a fight that we were destined to fight in. We have prepared very hard for this fight. Everyone will see the results from our preparation come fight night. I hope that fans get to see a big performance from the both of us. I feel very proud to represent the people of Tijuana and San Diego since I train here. I am going to feel right at home. This isn’t the first time I am the underdog, and I’ve given my fair share of surprises as the b-side.”
ARELY MUCINO, FEMALE FLYWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“I am happy because fight week is finally here and grateful to God for allowing me to live out this crazy dream. The emotions are building up, and I just want it to be Saturday already.
“Fans can expect for me to put on a show. Everyone knows that female boxers get to work starting from the first round, and this fight won’t be the exception. This is Mexico vs. Argentina, and I will proudly represent my country’s flag. This fight is dedicated with much love to my father, as I will continue the legacy that he left behind for us to continue.”
LEONELA YUDICA, CURRENT IBF FEMALE FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:
“I have successfully defended my title 10 times in Argentina. I am very excited for this fight because I have long awaited for the opportunity to fight internationally. Not many people know who I am, but after this fight they will.
“She is a Mexican fighter, so she will come into the ring like a tough warrior. I am going to have in front of me a female boxer with tremendous experience and a former world champion. This is going to be a tough fight.
JOSEPH “JOJO” DIAZ, FORMER IBF SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“It gives me goosebumps while here in San Diego knowing that I am going to fight here soon in a couple of weeks. We are three weeks out, and I’m ready and excited.”
“It’s going to be a great night of fights. I know my opponent (William Zepeda) is going to bring his all. But I am ready to execute and do what I do best.”
“I am 150% confident that my hand will be raised after that bell rings. My training and preparation will make sure of that.”
ALEXIS “LEX” ROCHA, NABO WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPION:
“I’m feeling really good. Training hard, staying focused on my fight. I’m continuing to make all the sacrifices to stay at the top of my game come October 29.”
“I know my opponent will come in very determined, and very motivated to win because he’s got a big stage – the Golden Boy stage – to come and perform on and try to steal the show and upset my plans. That doesn’t sit well with me – he’s going to try to come and take away everything that I’ve worked hard for.”
JESUS “RICKY” PEREZ, WELTERWEIGHT FIGHTER:
“This is a fight that we were destined to fight in. We have prepared very hard for this fight. Everyone will see the results from our preparation come fight night. I hope that fans get to see a big performance from the both of us. I feel very proud to represent the people of Tijuana and San Diego since I train here. I am going to feel right at home. This isn’t the first time I am the underdog, and I’ve given my fair share of surprises as the b-side.”
ARELY MUCINO, FEMALE FLYWEIGHT CONTENDER:
“I am excited and filled with so much enthusiasm and adrenaline now that we are three weeks out. Leonela is a great champion and has successfully defended her title many times. Knowing that, we expect for this to be a tough fight because she is a tremendous fighter. But we also know our great potential and it’s not the first time I’m going into the ring without a title in my hands. God has been very good to place the right people in my life at the right time and I feel prepared with this great team behind me.”
JORGE “EL NIÑO DORADO” CHAVEZ, SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT PROSPECT:
“This camp was definitely different. We tried to come into this fight relaxed so we can feel like nothing’s changed and that we’re just here to do our jobs.”
“I feel motivated to show fans who I truly am. In the past couple of years and even months I have developed more as a human being and a business-oriented person. I’m really happy to be fighting in my hometown – I didn’t think that this would happen so soon in my career. We are making the most out of this opportunity.”
Diaz, Jr. vs. Zepeda is a 12-round fight presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight will take place on Saturday, October 29 and will be broadcast live exclusively on DAZN worldwide. The event is sponsored by Hennessy “Never Stop. Never Settle” and “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.
he brings heat, what's not to like.