Jose Zepeda and Ivan Baranchyk are willing to risk it all
Former IBF junior welterweight champion Ivan “The Beast” Baranchyk (20-1, 13ko) is going to throw hands with Jose “Chon” Zepeda (32-2, 25ko) on October 3, at the bubble in the MGM Grand, Las Vegas.
However, there is an intriguing fact about this fight; without fighting each other, both would still be on track for a world championship title. This is especially the case given the fact the unified champions Jose Ramirez (26-0, 17ko) and Josh Taylor (16-0, 12ko) may move up once they become undisputed.
RETURNING TO GREATNESS
The former champion has been eager to get back into position to win back the championship since 2019. He lost to the Scotland unified champion at the World Boxing Super Series tournament that year.
Baranchyk is still in the hunt for a world championship. He is ranked #4 and #6, respectively, by the WBC and IBF. Furthermore, with the #2 slot vacant by the IBF, the former champion could see himself move up to #3.
This would put him directly in the path of a title eliminator or even a championship fight. That is, provided the winner of the undisputed bout between both unified champions will more than likely move up in weight, leaving the titles up for grabs.
A LOT ON THE LINE
Zepeda is risking a lot more by taking this fight. The former title contender, back in 2019, challenged then-WBC champion Ramirez for the title before losing via majority decision. He now is ranked #2 and #3 respectively by both the WBC and WBO.
Zepeda has been on a three-fight win streak, including a career-boosting victory against two-divisional champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (27-3, 13ko). Now, a victory over another former world champion would make his case for a title opportunity.
EXPECT A GOOD FIGHT
Giving all the optics of what is at stake, the fans can bet the bank that this will be a good fight. Both men are looking for redemption, and the only way that happens is by capturing a championship. But first, they have to take care of business in the ring.
Boxing fans should applaud both combatants for taking such a dangerous, high-risk fight. Instead of sitting on their respective ranking and waiting around, these two fighters are going for it all.
By: Garrisson Bland
