Who Won the Weekend? Our NY Fights Proposal

It was a quiet weekend in Boxlandia, mostly. No big deal shows unfolding for your viewing pleasure.

The grind continues, as always, though, in this sport that has no off-season.  A weekend like this is good because it allows fans to look at the landscape through a “quieter” lens.

Last week, much of the air in the room was taken by the announcement of the July 20 Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson exhibition. I will call it this until organizers clarify the status of the icons of their era.

Pugilists plied their trade Friday and Saturday, and we could appreciate talents outside the hype zone.

The NYF squad offered their takes on what stood out for them, who won the weekend.

Zepeda Comes In Hot

GAYLE FALKENTHAL: William Zepeda won the weekend.

Bernard Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya must be mighty pleased with lightweight William Zepeda after Saturday’s performance. Photo: Cris Esqueda, Golden Boy

Hardcore fans have had their eyes on Zepeda for some time. El Camaron stepped up to a name opponent, a fighter who nearly defeated George Kambosos Jr., and Zepeda went through him like a knife through butter. Zepeda landed 58 body shots. In FOUR ROUNDS.

Zepeda is among boxing’s most exciting fighters to watch. Could he beat the top names in the competitive lightweight division? Zepeda sure as hell has earned the right to try.

Whoever stands in front of him, fans are guaranteed a fun, all-action fight.

Viva Zepeda! Bring on Shakur!

Roughed Up Referee Gig

JACOB RODRIGUEZ: Referee Raul Caiz Jr. won the weekend.

Floyd Schofield survived a rough outing with help from Raul Caiz, Jr., and no thanks to dirty Estueri Suero. Photo: Golden Boy Boxing

At times, it seemed like Caiz Jr. was in a fight himself, trying to control a fight that got out of control almost as quickly as it started. After repeated warnings and point deductions against Dominican-based fighter Estueri Suero, Caiz Jr. was forced to disqualify Suero and end his dirty tactics.

He took control of the situation and made the right call in stopping the fight, possibly saving Floyd Schofield Jr. from further injury. Up to that point, he was battling a severe cut on his eyebrow.

And for that, referee Raul Caiz Jr. won the weekend in my book.

Éirinn go Brách Tommy Hyde

COLIN MORRISON: Irish boxer Tommy Hyde won the weekend.

Tommy Hyde hoists the belt giving him the ultimate bragging rights on St. Patrick’s Day. Photo: Courtesy Tommy Hyde

The 24-year-old super middleweight made it a St. Patrick’s weekend to remember, winning his first professional title by stopping Craig McCarthy in the fifth round of their contest in California.

Hyde is now 8-0 and is worth keeping an eye on moving forward.

Mazel Tov, Cletus Seldin

MATTHEW POMARA: Cletus Seldin won the weekend with two huge victories.

We're about to have a Mrs. Hebrew Hammer!!!

Congrats to Cletus Seldin! pic.twitter.com/8dv5rU4CN6

— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) March 16, 2024

After several injuries and contractual issues hampered his career, he returned to Madison Square Garden after nearly twelve and a half years, pulling out a hard-fought victory on the Callum Walsh undercard.

After the victory over Jose Angulo of Ecuador, Seldin scored the biggest win of his life, successfully proposing to his long-time girlfriend Jessica Ostrowski in the ring. Of course, she said yes to the proposal!

Two HUGE victories in one night. The Hebrew Hammer won the weekend!