Jose Zepeda Wins After Nine Month Layoff
While serving as the main event for ESPN’s July 7 telecast, junior welterweight Jose “Chon” Zepeda (31-2, 25 KO’s) won a fairly easy unanimous decision over Kendo Castaneda (17-1, 8 KO’s).
It was good stay busy victory for Zepeda who is now three fights removed from his 2019 loss to unified junior welterweight champion Jose Ramirez (25-0, 17 KO’s).
Ironically, this main event was probably the most pedestrian of the evening. Once in the ring, it was immediately evident that Chon was the more skilled and capable boxer. The Californian was very comfortable allowing Castaneda to come forward and pick him off with his jab and counter shots.
Sadly for action fans, the twice-beaten highly rated contender clearly was not concerned with applying his own pressure or going for a stoppage. As for Castaneda, he remained a determined fighter for the entirety of the bout. However, his handicap was not being able to change his tactics in any serious manner.
Despite the difference in their abilities, the Texan began enjoying more success by the seventh period. Yet, this success came more as a result of Zepeda not doing enough. It could be argued that Castaneda was attacking with more gusto but with no other overt alterations. Additionally, it was much too late to mount a comeback without some knockdowns involved.
Zepeda was able to claim a predictable victory in a bout with no overly dramatic elements. Granted it is always a great thing for a fighter to secure a victory. However, if Zepeda wants to be considered one of the best in the 140lbs division he will have to kick it up to another level in his next outing.
By: Bakari Simpson
