Lamont Roach Jr. may have a vacant WBC lightweight title fight against William Zepeda in front of him, but his comments this week were focused on the opportunities that could come afterward. Roach discussed future fights and championship scenarios while making little mention of Zepeda, the opponent expected to stand across the ring from him on August 1 in Las Vegas.
Roach spoke this week about future plans at 135 pounds and repeatedly mentioned Stevenson as the fight he wants most. Missing from the conversation was any discussion of Zepeda, who is widely expected to face Roach for the WBC title that Stevenson vacated earlier this year.
“I say 35. Once I win the [WBC lightweight] championship, I know he’ll [Shakur] probably want to reclaim it and be champion,” said Roach to Fighthype. The same belt that he had. So, you know, we’ll see. I think that’s a fight. I think that’s the best fighter in the division at 135 lbs, and I think that will define who’s the best at 135, which is one of the hottest divisions right now.”
Roach also dismissed suggestions that he is planning a permanent move to 140 pounds, saying his focus remains at lightweight despite interest in bigger fights.
“I’m campaigning at 35. So I’ll be at 35 for a long time. But if opportunities present at 40, I will take them. I’m not trying to wait. Tank Davis, Shakur Stevenson, those type,” said Roach.
The comments suggest Roach is already thinking about the opportunities that could come with a WBC title victory. That may be easier said than done.
Zepeda’s trainer, Jay “Panda” Najar, recently indicated that a fight between Roach and Zepeda had been signed for August 1 in Las Vegas for the vacant WBC lightweight title. The Mexican contender enters as one of the division’s most active pressure fighters and is viewed by many as a difficult style matchup for any lightweight.
Roach’s attention may be on Stevenson and other major names, but Zepeda remains the opponent standing between him and those opportunities.
The Roach-Zepeda fight is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
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Last Updated on 2026/05/30 at 12:51 PM
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