Photos/Weights: Jose Zepeda vs. Ammeth Diaz in Mexicali

By Rafael Soto

Jose 'Chon' Zepeda went face to face with the always dangerous Panamanian Ammeth 'Chloroform' Diaz. They will collide on Saturday night in Mexicali, Baja California. The event will be promoted by Zanfer Promotions.

Zepeda is presented to fans of the city where he was born 26 years ago, in what will be the first function for Zanfer in 2016.

During the press conference held on Thursday, Zepeda said - "I respect my opponent, but I've come to start the year off on the right foot. 2015 is behind us and I'm prepared to work round by round, but if the knockout comes even better."

Diaz showed serious during the conference, but said that he is well prepared and ready to give a good fight.

"I'm a man of few words and everything I have to say I'll say it in the ring," he said. "I know Zepeda is a difficult but not an impossible rival; I just hope he stops to fight and not run.

With the motivation of being in his homeland, Zepeda (23-1, 20 KOs) will attempt to secure a title shot opportunity by grabbing a victory over veteran Diaz (32-12, 23 KOs).

Already gone from his mind is his defeat in July last year when he fought WBO Lightweight titleholder Terry Flanagan. During the fight he suffered an injury to his left shoulder in the second round, which earned him the first loss of his career. Then in October, against Jose Alfaro, the fight was over in the first round after a clash of heads caused an early end and a no-contest with Zepeda suffering a cut on his left cheek.

Also on the card, former world champion Juan Carlos Sanchez will face Filipino Jhon Gemino. The super bantamweight clash between Sanchez (20-4-1, 9 KO's) and Gemino (12-5-1, 5 KO's) will be the co-feature.

WEIGHTS

José Zepeda 140 lbs. vs. Ammeth Díaz 140 lbs.

Juan Carlos Sánchez 122 lbs. vs.  Jhon Gemino 122.1 lbs.

Jaime Munguía 147.2 lbs. vs.  Francisco Verduzco 147.3 lbs.

Leonardo Báez 118 lbs. vs.  Alexis Ruiz 118 lbs.

Eduardo Báez 122.2 lbs. vs.  Irving González 122.2 lbs.