Jose Zepeda cited for alleged battery ahead of fight with Regis Prograis

Junior welterweight contender Jose Zepeda (35-2, 27 KO) is on the verge of a Nov. 26 WBC title shot as he’s scheduled to face Regis Prograis for the vacant title, but has run into an issue as Zepeda was accused of punching a 40-year-old man at a California boxing gym yesterday.

While formal charges have not yet been filed due to a lack of witnesses or surveillance footage documenting the alleged assault, Zepeda was given a citation pending further investigation into the incident. Ultimately, it seems, the local district attorney will decide whether or not to pursue charges against Zepeda in this case.

Despite this hiccup, Zepeda tells ESPN that he’s still completely focused on the task at hand, dealing with Prograis for his chance at a major world title.

“I’m not losing focus one bit; I’m on my way to go train. When I learned this news, I was in cryotherapy. We have two more weeks and I’m ready, this is the fight of my life [against Prograis]. My brother [trainer Rene Zepeda] is already talking to a lawyer to see what we can do [about the false accusation]. I don’t think it’s fair.”

Zepeda, 33, is most recently coming off a first round stoppage over Josue Vargas in October 2021 and looks to keep his positive momentum going in this upcoming title opportunity, which is not expected to be affected by this latest news.