Now that Devin Haney is no longer the undisputed lightweight world champion, the division is wide open for the taking. William Zepeda and Maxi Hughes look to prove they should be in the conversation of being top contenders when they square off. The IBF and WBA title eliminator fight is in Las Vegas.
Zepeda made his pro debut in 2015. The 27-year-old Mexican southpaw has 25 wins via knockout, with his last fight being a KO win in September against Mercito Gesta. He already has wins against stiff competition in Joseph Diaz and Gesta and looks to add Hughes to his list.
“I am excited for this big challenge ahead of me, and being one step closer to accomplishing my dream of becoming a world champion,” said Zepeda. “Maxi Hughes is a grand fighter, and I can’t wait to face him in the ring on March 16 and represent my humble hometown of San Mateo Atenco on the world’s stage. I know Golden Boy wants to bring big fights back to Las Vegas, the capital of boxing, and I want to be part of that – I want to be crowned a World Champion in Vegas.”
WATCH: William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes, live on DAZN
Hughes turned pro in 2010. “Maximus” is a former British super featherweight/lightweight and a European lightweight title challenger. He beat Paul Hyland Jr. in 2021 for the British lightweight belt following several failed attempts against Liam Walsh, Sam Bowen, and Martin J. Ward. Hughes lost in a controversial scoring decision against former world champion George Kambosos Jr. in his last fight in July, ending his seven-fight unbeaten streak.
“My last fight in the U.S., the judges broke my heart. I won’t let them derail my career. I’m coming back stateside with the bit between my teeth. Zepeda hasn’t fought anyone like me before,” said Hughes.
The Sporting News will provide all you need to know about this fight, from time, channel, card and more.
When is William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes?
- Date: Saturday, March 16
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT
Zepeda vs. Hughes is on March 16. The main card starts at 8 p.m. ET or 5 p.m. PT. Zepeda and Hughes should make their way to the ring around 11:15 p.m. ET or 8:15 p.m. PT, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
| Region | Date | Main Card Start Time | Main Event Ring Walks (approx.) |
| USA and Canada (ET) | Saturday, March 16 | 8 p.m. ET | 11:15 p.m. ET |
| USA and Canada (PT) | Saturday, March 16 | 5 p.m. PT | 8:15 p.m. PT |
| UK and Ireland | Sunday, March 17 | 4 p.m. GMT | 7:15 p.m. GMT |
| Australia | Sunday, March 17 | 11 a.m. AEDT | 2:15 p.m. AEDT |
MORE: Who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world?
How to watch William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes
| Region | TV channel | Live streaming |
| USA | DAZN | |
| Canada | DAZN | |
| UK and Ireland | DAZN 1 HD | DAZN |
| Australia | DAZN |
The William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes fight card will be available via DAZN.
Now available as a Sky channel, DAZN 1 HD is exclusive to Sky.
William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes price: How much does fight cost?
- DAZN monthly subscription: $19.99 on a 12-month contract or $24.99 month-to-month in U.S./ $24.99 per month in Canada/ £9.99 in the U.K. on a 12-month contract, or £19.99 month-to-month/ 13.99 AUD in Australia.
- DAZN annual subscription: $224.99 in the U.S., $199.99 in Canada, and £99.99 in the U.K.
WATCH: William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes, live on DAZN
Where is William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes?
The fight is in The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The Chelsea theater can hold up to 3,000 people.
Betting odds for William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes
Odds are not yet available for this fight.
William Zepeda record and bio
- Nationality: Mexican
- Born: June 4, 1996
- Height: 5-9
- Reach: 69.5 inches
- Total fights: 29
- Record: 29-0 with 25 wins via knockout
MORE: How to bet on combat sports
Maxi Hughes record, titles won
- Nationality: British
- Born: March 4, 1990
- Height: 5-7
- Reach: 66 1/2 inches
- Total fights: 33
- Record: 26-6-2 with five wins via knockout
William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes fight card
- William Zepeda vs. Maxi Hughes; Lightweights
- Floyd Schofield vs. Esteuri Suero; Lightweights
- Eric Priest vs. Jose Sanchez Charles; Middleweights
- Tristan Kalkreuth vs. Marquice Weston; Cruiserweights
- Joel Iriarte vs. Levy Josue Garcia Benitez; Welterweights
