During Tuesday’s kickoff press conference in Los Angeles, Roach dismissed the notion that fighters should hesitate when ordered into difficult matchups.
“Why wouldn’t I? Like I said, a lot of fighters don’t. I mean, well, a lot of fighters don’t, but that’s all bark, no bite. I got to I’m the full package, bro. And when it comes to fighting guys, it’s it’s no one that I wouldn’t fight.”
Roach acknowledged the challenge awaiting him against Zepeda, who suffered the lone defeat of his professional career against Shakur Stevenson. Rather than viewing the Mexican contender as an obstacle standing between him and bigger opportunities, Roach embraced the matchup as another chance to strengthen his resume.
“Absolutely. I’m not overlooking Zepeda at all. You know, like I said, it’s a tough task, but like my dad said, I’m walking it like I talk it. I want to fight the best. I want to fight the toughest guys that will solidify my legacy.”
The former WBA junior lightweight champion added that the vacant title fight carried extra significance because of the quality of opposition involved.
“We have William Zepeda, a tough customer in himself. You know, title challenger, top contender, and we wouldn’t want the fight for the vacant title to be anyone but someone of his level of opposition.”
Roach has repeatedly stated his desire to face elite competition throughout his career, and his recent schedule reflects that approach. His last three outings have come against Davis, Cruz and now Zepeda, a stretch that few fighters in the lightweight division would willingly accept.
Victory on August 1 would make Roach a two-division world champion. Defeat would halt the momentum he has built despite the disputed outcomes in his previous two appearances.
For Roach, however, the decision to face Zepeda was straightforward.
If the goal is legacy, there was little reason to look elsewhere.
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