Shakur Stevenson publicly rooted for Lamont Roach Jr. on Friday night, making clear he wants Roach to defeat William Zepeda so they can fight for recognition as boxing’s best lightweight.
“F*** it, Lamont go to work so me and u can bang out for the best 135 pounder on da planet.🔥” said Shakur on X.
One fan questioned why Stevenson was pursuing a fight connected to the WBC after previously distancing himself from the sanctioning body.
“I will fight the fighter but decline the belt.”
The exchange reinforced Stevenson’s position since signing with Zuffa Boxing. His focus appears fixed on marquee opponents rather than collecting another WBC title.
Roach is one of the names Stevenson has mentioned most often when discussing a return to 135 pounds. That stands out given the depth of the lightweight division. Roach has not won a fight in two years, is not known as a heavy puncher, and first must solve the difficult task of defeating Zepeda.
Haney remains the biggest available name, but negotiations have stalled over Stevenson’s insistence on a 144-pound catchweight. Haney holds the stronger position as WBO welterweight champion and has little reason to accept terms that favor the challenger.
A Roach victory would hand Stevenson another high-profile option if the Haney talks remain stuck. It also raises the possibility that Stevenson’s public support for Roach serves another purpose. Keeping another attractive fight in the spotlight gives him additional leverage while discussions with Haney remain unresolved.
Whatever the motivation, Friday night’s posts left little doubt that Roach occupies a prominent place in Stevenson’s plans if he returns to the lightweight division.
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Last Updated on 2026/08/01 at 1:46 AM
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