Boxing
William Zepeda vs Tevin Farmer 2 Keys to Victory: Breaking down tactics of each fighter
Watch Zepeda vs Farmer live March 29 on DAZN
Tevin Farmer dropped William Zepeda in the fourth round and arguably did enough to hand the Mexican fighter his first professional defeat in their November bout.
However, Zepeda still escaped with a razor-thin split decision win to claim the interim WBC lightweight world title.
Now, Zepeda and Farmer will run it back at Poliforum Benito Juarez in Cancun, Mexico, and live on DAZN, on Saturday.
With the stakes to this rematch reaching a fever pitch, DAZN News analyzes the keys to victory for each fighter.
William Zepeda’s keys to victory
Golden Boy / Cris Esqueda
Pressure, keep punch volume high
Pressuring by fighting forward and producing a high volume of punches is what Zepeda does best.
Although Farmer’s slick Philadelphia style gave Zepeda major issues, the Mexican fighter was still able to eke out a split-decision victory due to his punch output.
In Saturday’s rematch, Zepeda will once again need to keep the motor revving and generate a high punch count.
Make consistent deposits to the body
Zepeda had success digging shots to Farmer’s body but abandoned targeting the Philly fighter’s midsection during large stretches as well.
Keeping his front foot on the gas with forward-fighting progress would be coupled well with shots to the body — whether a power jab or crunching hook — as they might impede Farmer from getting into the phone booth with the interim champ.
Push off on Farmer
Farmer did resort to the clinch at times in November to thwart Zepeda’s momentum.
When Farmer reaches out to do the same in this rematch, it is up to Zepeda to recognize that and push off on the challenger.
That savvy move will allow Zepeda to keep his fighting flow moving ahead with full steam.
Tevin Farmer’s keys to victory
Golden Boy / Cris Esqueda
Let his hands go more, especially early
When Farmer had success with a quick one-two combination in their original clash, he missed the opportunity to piece together more combinations.
That, and the Philly fighter would be aided by just letting go of his hands more, period.
Doing so will allow Farmer to up his own volume enough to possibly spell the difference in close rounds.
Plus, it may get Farmer off the back foot where he is effective but sometimes too comfortable.
Time the left counterpunch
There was a moment during the fourth round of their first fight, when Farmer slipped a right cross and came over the top with a left hand that dropped Zepeda with a thud.
The counterpunch was timed to perfection.
In this southpaw vs. southpaw tilt, Farmer’s ability to time and detonate damaging counterpunches could be exactly what is needed for the 34-year-old to avenge November’s loss and put himself in the mix at lightweight.
Resort to the clinch when necessary
Zepeda’s uptick of punches can be so incessant that Farmer might need to resort to the clinch when he deems it necessary.
Doing so will not only disrupt Zepeda’s rhythm but also buy Farmer the time needed to set his own offense up, including timing and landing the counterpunch that could be the difference maker in this sequel.
How to watch the Zepeda vs Farmer rematch on DAZN
The rematch between Zepeda and Farmer will take place on Saturday, March 29 at Poliforum Benito Juarez in Cancun, Mexico.
The fight and the rest of the card will be broadcast live on DAZN.
DAZN's coverage will begin at 8pm ET / 12am GMT (Sunday), with the ringwalks for Zepeda's rematch with Farmer scheduled for 11pm ET / 3am GMT (Sunday). As always, these timings are subject to change.
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