Tim Bradley Rates William Zepeda No. 1 At Lightweight

“I really feel like Zepeda is the primary man proper now at 135 kilos. You’re taking Tank off the desk, you’re taking Shakur up off the desk, I feel he’s the primary man proper now within the division, adopted by, in fact, Abdullah Mason proper behind him, after which I acquired to go along with Andy Cruz and, you already know, Sam Noakes,” Bradley stated on his YouTube channel.

Zepeda captured the vacant WBC light-weight title in opposition to Roach, profitable by scores of 117-111 twice and 118-110. His work price performed a significant function, with Zepeda throwing 884 punches and touchdown 218 in contrast with 153 connects for Roach.

Bradley’s choice of Abdullah Mason at No. 2 requires some projection. The 22-year-old has but to face the caliber of opposition Zepeda has encountered, though his punching energy has rapidly made him one of many division’s most harmful younger fighters.

Andy Cruz has already obtained his check in opposition to championship-level opposition. The Cuban misplaced a call to Raymond Muratalla earlier this yr, then thought-about dropping to tremendous featherweight earlier than turning his consideration again to the IBF light-weight rankings.

Sam Noakes completes Bradley’s high 4. The British fighter meets former WBO champion Denys Berinchyk on August 29. A robust efficiency would give Bradley extra proof for putting him among the many main lightweights.

Zepeda has the WBC belt and the strongest current win of Bradley’s 4 choices. The larger query is how lengthy he stays No. 1 if Mason, Cruz or Noakes produces a greater win.