Boxing Odds – Jose Zepeda vs. Kendo Castaneda

It’s not the bout originally scheduled, but top junior welterweight contender Jose Zepeda is ready to fight no matter what. A two-time world title challenger, Zepeda was to dance with Ivan Baranchyk in this time slot in what was expected to be a brawl. However, an injury during a sparring session put the Belarusian boxer on the shelf, so instead Zepeda will square off against one-loss challenger Kendo Castaneda. Will the switch in opponents affect Zepeda? It’s hard to say but oddsmakers don’t think so. Zepeda was installed as a big favorite to continue his climb in the 140 for another shot at the belt.  Be sure to visit BookMaker.eu to get the latest boxing odds when you’re ready to bet.

Boxing Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu

Kendo Castaneda +283
Jose Zepeda -385

Rounds: Check Back Later

The 10-round junior welterweight non-title fight between Jose “Chon” Zepeda ( 31-2, 25 knockouts ) and Kendo Castaneda ( 17-1, 8 knockouts ) will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Tuesday, July, 7, 2020. This is the main event on a six-card ticket. The action begins at 8 p.m. ET and can be seen on ESPN.

Jose Zepeda vs. Kendo Castaneda Fight Preview

It’s an abrupt shift for Zepeda, who was preparing to fight the aggressive Baranchyk in a battle between two of the top contenders in the division. Now he moves his sights to Castaneda in a bout that doesn’t have the same marquee makeup but is important nonetheless. Zepeda hit the board as a prohibitive favorite considering his body of work that includes a pair of title fights.

Zepeda is just 17 months removed from fighting for the WBC light welterweight belt. He took champ Jose Ramirez the distance with many feeling Chon outpointed Ramirez. He was handed the loss by majority decision, just the second setback of his pro career. He squared off with Eleazar Valenzuela a few months later with the bout stopped and ruled a no contest.

Getting back in the win column, Zepeda dominated former two-division champ Jose Pedraza in his last fight last September. While there might be some concern over the change of opponent, it doesn’t seem to matter to Zepeda. “I’m ready to fight no matter who’s in the opposite corner. I’m coming to the MGM to prove why I’m one of the elite junior welterweights.”

Opening his pro career with 23 straight victories, 19 of which came by knockout, Zepeda earned his first title fight back in 2015 against Terry Flanagan for the vacant WBO lightweight belt. In an unfortunate turn of events, Zepeda dislocated his shoulder while throwing a punch, couldn’t continue and therefore lost the fight by TKO. Zepeda then won seven consecutive fights to set up his challenge with Ramirez.

Jumping into the ring on such short notice is risky for boxers. The situation was actually a good one for Castaneda, who was preparing to fight later this month anyway until his opponent tested positive for COVID-19 and the fight was called off. When he got the call for this bout there was no hesitation. “I had a fight that week anyway so it worked out well,” he said.

This is also a chance for Castaneda to prove himself against the toughest opponent he’s ever faced. The record is glossy with 17 straight wins to open his career, but the list of fighters isn’t exactly murderer’s row. Things heated up recently and Castaneda held his own by handing Gilbert Venegas Jr. his first loss with a unanimous decision late in 2018.

Another UD win over Stan Martyniouk followed a few months later setting up a bout with fellow undefeated Yomar Alamo in February. Castaneda suffered his first pro loss in that one by majority decision, a loss he calls a “fluke.” The setback didn’t appear to hurt his value within the division. He has a chance for a statement win against the WBC’s No. 3-ranked fighter.

Bet Jose Zepeda vs. Kendo Castaneda at BookMaker

This has the potential to be a good fight in the division. Castaneda’s been looking for the chance against a high-quality opponent and certainly doesn’t want to blow it. He’s sneaky good on the inside and is well-conditioned. We saw Castaneda stray from his game plan in the loss to Alamo and he needs to be smart against a better fighter. What concerns me about Zepeda is his preparation. Training for one opponent and having to switch gears a week before isn’t easy. Will Chon be mentally prepared? Castaneda has nothing to lose and everything to gain putting him in a position to pull off the upset. I’ll throw down on him at this price.

Boxing Odds Pick: Kendo Castaneda / decision

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- Phil Simon, Gambling911.com