Jose Zepeda Wins Lackluster Unanimous Decision Over Hank Lundy
After a much-deserved layoff to rest and recover, Jose “Chon” Zepeda (33-2, 26 KOs, 2 NC) returns to the ring to face “Hammerin” Hank Lundy (31-8-1, 14 KOs) at the Virgin Hotel in Las Vegas, live on ESPN.
JOSE ZEPEDA
In his last fight, Zepeda faced former IBF World Super-Lightweight champion Ivan Baranchyk in October of 2020 at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas. Having previously lost to current WBC/WBO champion Jose Ramirez by close majority decision in February of 2019, his goal was to work his way back into world title contention.
Zepeda vs Baranchyk was anticipated to be a competitive battle. However, it turned into one of the most unforgettable battles in recent boxing history. Both fighters were knocked down four times and the conclusion was truly epic. Moments after being knocked down in the eighth round, Zepeda landed a left hook from hell that knocked Baranchyk’s spark out.
Boxing fans were in awe of what they witnessed. What was viewed as a solid match-up between Zepeda and Baranchyk turned into 3KingsBoxing’s Fight Of The Year.
HANK LUNDY
Lundy is a late replacement for Mexican contender Pedro Campa. In a surprise move, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) refused to approve him as an opponent for Zepeda.
Despite fighting on short notice, he should not be overlooked. Yes, the 37-year-old from Philadelphia has a worse record than Campo. However, he has faced much tougher competition. He has fought the likes of current WBO Welterweight champion Terence Crawford and former WBC Super Lightweight champion Viktor Postol.
Ranked #1 by the WBC at 140, Zepeda has an eye on facing the winner of Ramirez v Taylor. He would love to get a rematch with Ramirez.
Can he remain focused and move one step closer to a world title shot? Or, can Lundy rise from the ashes and spring what would be considered a sizeable upset?
STARTING OFF ON THE RIGHT PAGE
The opening round was a clear win for the Mexican contender as he would get the action started with a two-handed attack to the head. At one point in the opening stanza, Lundy appeared to be hurt by a left hand.
Round two mirrored the opening round for Zepeda as he let his hands go more and would just miss the same overhand left that hurt Lundy in the previous round! Realizing that head hunting wasn’t overly effective, the lightbulb in his head went off as he would start to attack the body of Lundy consistently.
Lundy would ultimately work himself into the fight in round three. A slick boxer with sneaky power, he would start to land quick, eye-catching punches, even appearing to hurt Zepeda. Success would endure in round four for the Philadelphia native as he continued to press forward, letting his hands go while slipping incoming return-fire.
FIGHTING DOWN TO YOUR COMPETITION
Strangely enough, Zepeda would fight a lot of the bout timidly, reluctant to truly open up and test the legs and stamina of his 37 year old adversary. Maybe being knocked down four times in his previous fight against Baranchyk was still in his head. This would cause him to be gun-shy.
Whatever the case was, this performance didn’t bode well in terms of his chances against the winner of the Taylor vs Ramirez undisputed title bout.
After a flat performance, Zepeda would be announced as the winner by way of a unanimous decision. The scores were 98-92 across the board. To sum up this fight, Zepeda should consider himself a lucky man! If Lundy had more power, it may have been a different result. Zepeda’s head movement was nonexistent and the underdog found a home for his right hand.
At 37 years old and a late replacement, Lundy was perceived to be nothing more than a tune-up! However, at the conclusion of this fight, he showed that respect should have been put on his name!
Where does he go from here? Only time will tell. He appears to have enough gas left in the tank to be a stern challenger for upcoming fighters and maybe spring an upset or two.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
