Lightweight Giovanni Cabrera believes that to prove himself as a top contender, he must defeat William Zepeda.
They are set to fight on July 6 at the Toyota Arena in Ontario, Calif., in a bout promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and broadcast on DAZN.
Cabrera (22-1, 7 KOs) recently rebounded with a 10-round unanimous decision win in Texas after his lone loss to now-WBA junior welterweight world champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, which served as the co-main event to Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford last July.
Cabrera, 29, trains with Hall of Fame boxing coach Freddie Roach and reflects on his early career fighting on Brian Halquist-promoted shows in Washington, where matchmaker Andy Nance pitted him with tough opponents. Cabrera hopes that journey has prepared him for the 27-year-old Zepeda (30-0, 26 KOs).
“I’ve defeated seven previously undefeated fighters; I am used to fighting undefeated fighters,” Cabrera said. “Nobody wants to fight a volume puncher like Zepeda, but if I am who I say I am, then this is who I have to beat.”
By Cabrera’s 14th fight, he had faced six undefeated fighters, including Elijah Pierce, who is gaining traction in Overtime Boxing. Known for his awkward style, Cabrera described it as “scientific,” using angles and disrupting rhythm and timing.
“I have a very unique and difficult style,” Cabrera said. “A lot of what I do is pretty creative and pretty scientific, and most people are confused because they have never seen a style like mine before.”
“Whatever they consider awkwardness is actually intelligence. When you see me succeed against Zepeda, it will cement it in your mind.”
Cabrera is ranked No. 8 by the WBC and No. 10 by the WBA. Without a promoter backing him, Cabrera takes risks to advance his career, fueled by immense confidence in himself.
“This fight is huge for me,” Cabrera said. “I consider myself one of the top lightweights in the world.”
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