Shakur Stevenson is the only defeat on the professional boxing resume of Mexican Zepeda so far and there is learning that can be had.
By Lamont Roach that is.
He takes on Zepeda on Saturday night.
Zepeda of Mexico has not fought in a year since his last fight, the unanimous points defeat to Shakur Stevenson of the US.
Roach said he is looking to outshine Stevenson in his fight vs Zepeda.
Here are some technical things that Roach can bring into Saturday from the Stevenson vs Zepeda fight:
- Control distance early and avoid prolonged exchanges on the ropes
- Weather the initial storm – Stevenson survived early pressure then pulled away from round five
- Stay composed under fire and implement game plan when Zepeda’s activity becomes sloppy
- Counterpunch beautifully from the pocket once Zepeda’s punches start missing
- Don’t get dragged into a brawl – stay in the pocket but avoid trading punch-for-punch
- Use footwork and movement to frustrate Zepeda’s pressure
- Attack the body early to slow Zepeda’s legs
- Exploit the defensive holes Stevenson picked apart
- Land the cleaner shots – Stevenson landed over half his power punches
- Win rounds through precision and sharp counters, not volume
Certainly that Shakur Stevenson vs Zepeda fight tape from a year ago is something Lamont Roach has surely seen many times at this point.
Let us see if he can apply some of the above from it on Saturday night in boxing.
Check out our latest boxing news.