Jose Zepeda Named Mandatory Challenger For Josh Taylor

Junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor already has an opponent to defend his title, and it’s against Jose Zepeda.

In a recent statement, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said that Zepeda will replace Jack Catterall for the title fight slated for February 26.

“Zepeda is the mandatory contender in the division,” the president affirmed.

“We have agreed with the organizations to take turns when there is a unified champion. It is the WBO’s turn with Jack Catterall. Unfortunately, there was an injury so their fight was postponed. But Zepeda is right there in line for the mandatory of the division.”

Zepeda, 32, is in red-hot form, coming off a knockout victory against Josue Vargas.

He had immediately called out Taylor after the win.

“I want all the belts. I’m ready for it. I showed that,” the mandatory challenger had said after the win.
He’s known for being one of the heaviest punchers in the division.

Everyone knows that a fight against Taylor is a glory fight since Taylor has already collected every major world title at 140lbs. Even unified lightweight titleholder Teofimo Lopez has been eyeing a showdown against Taylor for a while.