Lamont Roach Jr. may have a vacant WBC lightweight title fight against William Zepeda ahead of him, but his comments this week were focused on the opportunities that could come after that. Roach discussed future fights and championship scenarios while making little mention of Zepeda, the opponent expected to stand across the ring from him on Aug. 1 in Las Vegas.
Roach talked about future plans at 135 pounds this week and repeatedly mentioned Stevenson as the fight he most wants. 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 (Shakur) will probably want to reclaim it and be champion,” Roach told Fighthype. The same belt he had. So, you know, we’ll see. I think it’s a fight. I think it’s the best fighter in the division at 135 pounds, and I think it’s going to determine who’s the best at 135, which is one of the hottest divisions right now.”
Roach also dismissed suggestions he was 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 come at 40, I’ll take them. I’m not trying to wait. Tank Davis, Shakur Stevenson, those types,” Roach said.
The comments suggest that Roach is already thinking about the opportunities that could come with a WBC title win. This may be easier said than done.
Zepeda’s trainer, Jay “Panda” Najar, recently indicated that a fight between Roach and Zepeda has been signed for August 1st in Las Vegas for the vacant WBC lightweight title. The Mexican contender enters as one of the division’s most active push fighters and is considered by many to be a tough style matchup for any lightweight.
Roach’s attention may be on Stevenson and other big names, but Zepeda remains the opponent standing between him and those opportunities.
The Roach-Zepeda fight is expected to be settled in the coming weeks.
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Last updated on 30/05/2026 at 12:51
