Giovanni Cabrera has proven he can handle a prolific puncher. During the lone loss of his career last summer against Isaac Cruz, Cabrera absorbed 152 power punches from “Pitbull” during a closely contested split decision defeat.
Cabrera (22-1, 7 KOs) will put his chin to the test once again Saturday night against a contender who can crack when he takes on the hard-punching No. 1-ranked lightweight William Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs). The contest will headline a Golden Boy show on DAZN at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California.
The crafty Cabrera is a tricky fighter who complicates matters for his opponents due to his slick boxing skills, and he’s looking to do the same against the Zepeda, who has bulldozed his way through the likes of Maxi Hughes, Mercito Gesta, Joseph Diaz Jr., Rene Alvarado and Hector Tanajara.
“Matadors defeat bulls in the ring, using their aggression and power against them,” Cabrera told BoxingScene. “I am going to do my best to throw off Zepeda’s rhythm by controlling and manipulating distance and making him think I am closer when I am further away by changing speeds and levels. He’s going to have a lot to think about that maybe he hasn’t with other fighters.
“Absolutely [I pose a threat to him with my style]. He’s been hit by his previous opponents pretty frequently and has been hurt before. I have to capitalize on opportunities and do some damage.
“There shouldn’t be a doubt in anyone’s mind that if I dominate Zepeda and beat him I am the No. 1 lightweight contender in the world.”
The promotional free agent Cabrera can quickly climb up the lightweight ladder and catapult himself to a title shot should he beat Zepada, who’s the mandatory to each of the current titlists: Gervonta Davis (WBA); Shakur Stevenson (WBC); Vasililiy Lomachenko (IBF); and Denys Berinchyk (WBO).
The 29-year-old free spirit from Chicago is trained by Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach and is a former Manny Pacquiao sparring partner. Cabrera has rebounded from his loss against Cruz, scoring a 10-round unanimous decision win against Ricardo Quiroz in March.
“My stock only went up from the Cruz fight,” said Cabrera. “You saw how Cruz demolished Rolando Romero. It only shows you what kind of level that I am on. He cracked me with some haymakers and I found out that my jaw is made of steel. I was surprised myself. It took two or three rounds to be like, ‘holy shit, stop running from this guy – you’re the bigger and stronger guy.’ I know that I have the best chin in boxing. I learned that a little too late and started putting pressure on Cruz late in the fight. The only reason I got hit is because he is a short, tricky bastard. That’s the worst kind of guy to fight. He won by a hair. Had I dominated, there would be no doubt. I would love that rematch because this time I will push him back because he can’t fight backward.
“This fight [against Zepeda] is huge for me. This fight further proves what I believe I am capable of. I consider myself one of the top lightweights in the world. I’ve defeated seven previously undefeated fighters. I am used to fighting undefeated fighters, and this is exciting for me. These are the kinds of fights that motivate me to rise to the occasion and just reach newer levels. I have great respect for William. He is brave and he has the balls to put his undefeated record on the line against me.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, through email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or via www.ManoukAkopyan.com.
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