Back for More: Zepeda vs. Farmer II
On March 29th, the WBC interim lightweight champion William Zepeda and former IBF super featherweight champion Tevin Farmer will meet again in Cancun, Mexico. The event, promoted by Golden Boy, will be broadcast live on DAZN. This rematch comes just a few months after their initial bout on November 16th, where Zepeda secured a 10-round split decision victory. While the first fight was a close contest, the decision has left many fans and critics divided, sparking debates about the rematch’s fairness and necessity.
Fan Reaction: A Mix of Skepticism and Support
The announcement of the rematch has not been met with unanimous approval. Many fans on social media are expressing their dissatisfaction, arguing that Zepeda (32-0, 27 KOs) should be fighting a different contender to prepare for his potential title challenge against WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson. The sentiment is that fighting Farmer again is redundant and does little to enhance Zepeda’s chances of success in a title bout. Despite the split decision, most fans and pundits agree that Zepeda’s performance in the first fight was dominant, particularly in terms of body punching, which the judges seemed to overlook.
The First Bout: A Divisive Decision
The first fight between Zepeda and Farmer was a 10-round split decision that saw Zepeda retain his interim title. The scores were as follows:
- 95-94: Zepeda
- 95-94: Farmer
- 95-94: Zepeda
While Farmer and a few supporters argue that the fight should have gone his way, the majority of the boxing community views it as a clear Zepeda win. The judges’ decision to discount Zepeda’s body punching, which was a significant part of his strategy, has been a point of contention. Upon reviewing the fight, many observers believe that Zepeda’s control over the contest was more evident than the tight decision suggests. Farmer managed to win the fourth round due to a flash knockdown but otherwise struggled to make an impact.
Punch Stats: Zepeda’s Dominance
The punch statistics from the first fight further reinforce Zepeda’s dominance:
- Zepeda landed 259 of 778 punches for a 33.3% connect rate, with 90 of those being body shots.
- Farmer connected on 193 of 587 punches for a 32.9% connect rate.
These numbers indicate that Zepeda was more efficient and consistent in his attack, particularly with his body shots, which were crucial in wearing down Farmer. The fact that Zepeda’s body work was not fully reflected in the judges’ scores has left many questioning the fairness of the decision. Despite the split decision, a more detailed analysis suggests that Zepeda’s victory was more lopsided than the official result implies.
Farmer’s Perspective: Another Chance
For Tevin Farmer (33-7-1, 8 KOs), the rematch offers another payday and a chance to redeem himself in front of a larger audience. Farmer, now 34, has been a respected figure in the sport, and this fight provides him with an opportunity to regain some of his lost prestige. If he had not secured this rematch, Farmer might have been relegated to fighting lesser-known opponents on smaller cards, which would not provide the same level of exposure or financial reward. For Farmer, the rematch is a win-win situation: a chance to prove himself and a platform to stay relevant in the lightweight division.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Stevenson
While the rematch with Farmer is a step on Zepeda’s path, the ultimate goal for the interim champion is a title shot against WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson. Zepeda’s dominant performance in the first fight and his impressive record suggest that he is a formidable contender. However, to solidify his position and build his case for a title shot, Zepeda needs to put on a convincing performance in the rematch. A clear and decisive victory over Farmer would go a long way in strengthening Zepeda’s claim to a title bout and quieting the critics who question the rematch’s legitimacy.
The March 29th fight in Cancun will be more than just a rematch; it’s a critical test for both fighters. For Zepeda, it’s an opportunity to showcase his skills and cement his status as a top contender. For Farmer, it’s a chance to prove that the first fight was a fluke and that he has what it takes to dethrone the interim champion. Regardless of the outcome, this bout is sure to be a key moment in the lightweight division’s landscape.
