Ivan Baranchyk Looking For A Statement Win Against Jose Zepeda
Former IBF World Junior Welterweight champion Ivan Baranchyk (20-1, 13 KOs) is hungry to once again become a world champ. The quest continues on October 3 as he faces former 140-pound world title challenger Jose Zepeda (32-2, 25 KOs) at The MGM Grand Bubble in Las Vegas that will air live on ESPN+.
On paper, many view this fight as an even matchup. You have a classic battle of the pressure-fighting Baranchyk versus the boxing ability of the Zepeda. Baranchyk is not anticipating an easy go of it. But as he explained to Anson Wainwright of The Ring, he will impose his will and be too much in the end.
“It is a tough fight. He’s not an easy opponent, but I am ready to fight with anybody. It’s not 50-50, I am very confident. I will break him towards the middle of the fight with pressure.”
The 27-year-old Baranchyk was joined by co-promoter Max Alperovich of Fight Promotions. Alperovich shares his fighter’s respect for his upcoming opponent, but ultimately is looking for Baranchyk to put on an eye-popping performance.
“Zepeda is dangerous, but we’ve prepared very well. I think we’re going to see a new Ivan this time. Ivan is going to make a big statement and it’s going to be the beginning of a new journey for him. I think the time has come where he’s gonna go forward and win every fight and not stop until he gets the world title.”
These two were supposed to square off on July 7 in Vegas, but Baranchyk had to pull out because of a minor injury. He hopes a win will move him closer to a showdown against current WBC/WBO unified Junior Welterweight titlist, Jose Ramirez (26-0, 17 KOs).
Both men rank among the top 10 fighters in the world by both the WBC and by Ring Magazine. A loss would mean a significant drop from the rankings. But from a fan’s perspective, you love it when fighters are willing to take this kind of risk.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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