Days after clinching the WBC lightweight title, William Zepeda touched down at Mexico City International Airport to a hero’s welcome as fans lined up to greet the new beltholder. It was the 30-year-old’s first action since being on the wrong end of similar tallies against Shakur Stevenson 13 months ago. “The thing with Shakur was a test I couldn’t pass at the time,” Zepeda reflected. “It was an experience that made me humble, but we took the necessary time, came back stronger, worked on our weaknesses, and today we are world champions.” It was reported locally that the scenes marking the return of San Mateo Atenco’s Zepeda on Tuesday generated “excitement not seen in many years”.