Flanagan vs Zepeda is now over, and it wasn’t a long affair by any means. The main event, taking place at the Velodrome, Manchester, England, was shaping up into something tasty when, after missing with a left-hook, Jose Zepeda dislocated his shoulder.
And boy was the protrusive bone an ugly sight. After the pain struck Zepeda, the injury became apparent when the Californian fighter’s left became redundant. When Zepeda returned to his stall, his corner – who we’re assuming aren’t doctors – tried to reset the arm.
As the act of desperation began, Zepeda’s face became a canvas of sheer agony. We hope for Zepeda’s sake, the damage wasn’t exacerbated during the ‘procedure’. Zepeda left the ring in a sling and laid out on a stretcher, and was even given oxygen.
It was an unfortunate night for British boxing, the crowd – who became extremely rowdy – and of course Zepeda and his team. A rematch is unlikely, but the previously unbeaten fighter deserves one. The official result was a TKO since technically, it was Zepeda who injured himself.
For what it’s worth, Terry Flanagan was looking the sharper fighter in the short-lived fight, winning those two opening rounds. The Mancunian fighter now becomes the WBO Lightweight champion. Flanagan is now 28-0, 11 knockouts, and the devastated Zepeda 23-1, 20 knockouts.
On the Flanagan vs Zepeda undercard, Jack Catterall (12-0, 8 KO) scored a 6th round stoppage over Gabriel Calfin (22-7-3, 8 KO). Also, Paul Butler (18-1, 8 KO) stopped Gustavo Molina (19-7, 7 KO) in the 5th round, and Liam Walsh (19-0, 13 KO) knocked out Isaias Sampaio (23-11, 21 KO) in the 6th.
Flanagan vs Zepeda Live Round by Round
Round 1: Good left-straight from Flanagan. And another not long after. Very tense feeling in this opener. Two heavy-handed fighters here. Flanagan scoring some clean blows, left-hand, left-hook. Zepeda focused, takes them well. Intriguing opener, but Flanagan scoring the more eye-catching blows. Flanagan, 10-9
Round 2: Flanagan working well on the outside, finding the target. Zepeda needs to find an answer and quick. Zepeda gets good shots in, looking to catch Flanagan with counters. Flanagan possessing the greater reach it would appear. Could be a huge advantage in this fight. Zepeda has a dislocated shoulder, or something along those lines. Nasty…looks dislocated. Fight is off! And the crowd are inconsolable right now…
Result: Flanagan wins via 2nd round TKO
What are your thoughts on the Flanagan vs Zepeda fight? Fire away in the comments!
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