Zepeda Doubts Mason Would Last 12 Rounds With Him

WBC lightweight champion William Zepeda has his sights set on a unification bout with WBO titleholder Abdullah Mason but believes the 22-year-old would struggle to hear the final bell against him.

Zepeda, who captured the vacant WBC strap by defeating Lamont Roach on August 1, told The PorterWay Podcast that Mason possesses talent and a diverse skill set but may not have the stamina to withstand his relentless pressure over a full championship distance. "With my style of fighting, going in, getting out, maintaining pressure, maintaining distance, and my body punches, it would be a hard-fought battle," Zepeda said, per The Ring. "I believe I have enough weapons in my arsenal to tire him out. I don't think he would be able to last all 12 rounds with me."

Mason's Title Defense and Unification Interest

Mason, ranked fourth by The Ring, defended his WBO title July 4 by stopping Albert Bell in the 12th round in his hometown of Cleveland. The victory marked his second consecutive distance fight after capturing the belt from Sam Noakes on points in November 2025. Mason has previously described a clash with Zepeda as a career-defining opportunity.

Zepeda improved to 34-1 with 27 knockouts in his win over Roach, bouncing back from a July 2025 loss to Shakur Stevenson. The San Mateo native said unifying the lightweight division remains a priority. Mason carries a 21-0 record with 18 stoppages and has yet to lose as a professional.

No date or venue has been announced for a potential Zepeda-Mason unification.

Source: ringmagazine.com