Lamont Roach Jr. and William Zepeda are now expected to fight on August 1 in Las Vegas for the vacant WBC lightweight title.
Boxing reporter Abraham Gonzalez said he was told the fight will “likely” land in Las Vegas after previously reporting on May 5 that the matchup was being targeted for July or August. Mexican outlet Azteca later confirmed with Zepeda’s trainer that August 1 is the planned date.
The fight has been moving toward finalization since the WBC ordered negotiations earlier this year.
Roach (25-1-3, 10 KOs) would move up from junior lightweight after previously holding a WBA title at 130 pounds. Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs) remains one of the division’s busiest pressure fighters and is currently ranked #1 by the WBC at lightweight.
The matchup has already drawn a strong reaction online because of the contrast in styles. Roach is viewed as a technical boxer who prefers timing and accuracy, while Zepeda usually fights at a fast pace and throws in high volume.
The WBC title became vacant after changes at the top of the lightweight division earlier this year. Jadier Herrera currently holds the WBC interim belt.
A win for Roach would give him a world title in a second weight class. Zepeda would be attempting to capture the first full world title of his career after falling short in a previous championship opportunity.
Fans have questioned Roach getting another title shot after consecutive 12-round draws against Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz and Gervonta Davis, making this his third try overall.
🚨So to put it all together🚨: I reported on May 5th that Lamont Roach vs William Zepeda was going to take place either July or August. Azteca confirmed with Zepeda’s trainer that August 1st IS the date. Now I’m being told the fight will likely be in LAS VEGAS on that date.…
— Abraham Gonzalez (@abeG718) May 12, 2026
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Last Updated on 2026/05/12 at 2:41 PM
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