However, it is a very good fight as two of the top junior welterweights in the world square off in the Top Rank bubble in Las Vegas when Jose Zepeda and Ivan Baranchyk hook 'em up for what could be a mandatory contender spot and possibly place the winner in line for one of those vacant titles that will inevitably come open after the Josh Taylor-Jose Ramirez winner moves to welterweight after their fight.
This fight was originally scheduled for Top Rank's summer tour, but an injury to Baranchyk caused the fight to be delayed, Zepeda fought replacement Kendo Castaneda and won a unanimous decision.
Zepeda defeated another contender in Jose Pedraza last year before the pandemic and gave the current WBC and WBO champion Jose Ramirez all he wanted in a majority decision loss in Fresno, California which is Ramirez's hometown, and many thought that Zepeda could have gotten the nod.
I gave Ramirez the close decision over Zepeda 115-113, but it was very close.
Baranchyk was once the IBF champion before losing that title to Josh Taylor in the World Boxing Super Series semi-final by a unanimous decision.
Baranchyk was knocked down twice in the sixth round and barely survived but showed lots of heart and grit to survive to the final bell against Taylor, winning many fans in doing so.
Baranchyk was knocked down twice in the sixth round and barely survived but showed lots of heart and grit to survive to the final bell against Taylor, winning many fans in doing so.
This fight is very close with Zepeda attempting to box the pressing attack of Baranchyk and the biggest question that I have is how much did Baranchyk lose from the fight with Josh Taylor?
If Baranchyk is the same fighter, he may have an edge because of his punch output, but fights like that can take a lot out of a fighter and raises questions.
Zepeda doesn't have such questions, so even in a close fight to choose from, Zepeda could be considered a slight favorite.
In the boxing challenge, I lead Ramon Malpica 128-117
Jr. Welterweights. 12 Rds
Jose Zepeda vs Ivan Baranchyk
Both: Zepeda Unanimous Decision
No comments:
Post a Comment