Zepeda–Herrera Is the WBC Mandatory, and Golden Boy Hasn't Announced It Yet

Label: REPORTED · Heat: WARM. The WBC lightweight mandatory is being talked about as William "El Camarón" Zepeda vs. undefeated Cuban Jadier Herrera. Golden Boy has not announced it, and no venue is set.

Boxing News 24 cites EverythingBoxing's Darshan Desai as saying a Golden Boy announcement is expected soon. BN24 frames the bout as the order that would settle the WBC's 135-pound picture after Zepeda beat Lamont Roach Jr. for the vacant belt on Aug. 1, with Herrera waiting as the interim-titleholder mandatory. That is the outlet's reporting of an expected announcement, not the announcement itself.

A WBC convention write-up, dated Nov. 9, goes further on timing and place — and that is still not a promoter release. James Blears writes that Zepeda "will defend" against Herrera on March 29, that Cancun, Toluca or Azteca Stadium "was to be" the location "but the Cuban demurred," and that Zepeda "says he's not fussy. New York or Las Vegas suits nicely." Treat March 29 as a date mentioned in that convention piece, not as a booked Golden Boy card. No site, tickets or official poster have been issued.

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The same WBC piece quotes Zepeda on Herrera: "He's not a typical Cuban fighter. He doesn't just move around, he comes forward and attacks. So it's going to be a great fight for sure. Also what a cool nickname he has!" On a Shakur Stevenson rematch, Zepeda added: "It's a chip on my shoulder, but first things first. The title defense and then that. Which is definitely on my mind."

This is not yesterday's Cruz talk. In Whisper Wire 282, Cruz–Zepeda was a COLD convention float, with promoter Sean Gibbons putting other business first. That item has not become a booking, and it is a different opponent. Today's reporting is the Herrera mandatory, still waiting on Golden Boy.

Fighter page: William Zepeda.

If they actually date this one, do you want it in New York or Vegas — or would you rather see Zepeda in something bigger first? Tell us in the comments, then make your picks in Fight Picks or browse BoxBid Play.

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