William Cepeda, one of the most feared lightweight boxers in the world, claims he “transforms” when he enters the ring.
“I've always been a level-headed person. I think when I step in the ring, it definitely changes, different from what I was told, but it's because of the fight itself,” Cepeda told BoxingScene. “You try to improve yourself, achieve your goals, achieve your objectives, so I think you have to put aside the idea of being a good person. It doesn't mean you're going to be bad in the ring. This is a sport where you have to win to keep moving forward.”
Following his win over Maxi Hughes in March, the 27-year-old southpaw reflected on a performance that put him in good position for a world title fight.
“We knew Maxi Hughes had a great performance. [George] “Kambosos, whether he already had the experience or not, it was an important match to see what level we were at and I think we passed that test with flying colors,” Cepeda said. “We always prepare well for every match and this one was no exception.”
Where desire meets strategy, Cepeda further explained his options after facing Giovanni Cabrera on July 6 in California.
“Now it's WBA For William Zepeda, Sharing the Ring With Lomachenko Would Be an Honor This is Gervonta. [Davis]The WBC has Shakur. [Stevenson]”The IBF has Lomachenko, they are already big names. So, whichever side we move, we don't have to look for the hardest or easiest guy, because each has their own level of difficulty. So now, my team and Golden Boy are already planning which guys we're going to move, because that's also important.”
Cepeda analyzed the top of the division and offered nostalgic praise for potential rival Vasiliy Lomachenko, who recaptured the IBF world title in a one-sided bout against George Kambosos earlier this month.
“I always say Lomachenko is one of the most fun boxers to watch. If you're a fan of boxing, that's what boxing is all about, watching him fight is fun. Everything about what he does, how he moves, the way he moves in the ring, everything is fun,” Cepeda said. “Ever since I started boxing as a kid, I've watched boxers at his level come up in amateur boxing, and now to share the ring with him at this level is an honor and a privilege. Fighting fighters like him is what we've always aspired to do, to fight the best, and Lomachenko definitely deserves our respect.”
A fight with Stevenson has been rumored in the past, and he will likely remain a viable target for Cepeda.
“Shakur is a young fighter and one we'll keep an eye on. He'll move up in weight at some point, but we're close in age, our bodies will change and it might not be at 135 pounds.” [lbs]Maybe it will be 140, but I'm sure that fight will happen in the future.”
Linking the past with the future, the Mexican made it clear that he intends to add his name to the long list of great fighters who have come from his country.
“The truth is that everyone has inspiration, and I believe I come from a country where boxing is powerful, so I want my name to be remembered as Juan Manuel Marquez. [Ricardo] “Finito” Lopez, [Julio Cesar] Chavez, you are inspired by some of the greatest legends not only in Mexican boxing but in boxing around the world.
“I wake up every morning motivated that one day my name will remain in the boxing world with great memories and I want to show the young people that everything is possible to achieve the goals that each of us sets for ourselves and impress upon them that.”
“Above all, I am a person, a boxer and a sportsman who is interested in young people and who conveys the message that they should fight for their dreams and show them that it is possible.”
