Lamont Roach Jr. and William Zepeda is now expected to fight for the vacant WBC lightweight title on August 1st in Las Vegas.
Boxing reporter Abraham Gonzalez said he was told the fight would “likely” land in Las Vegas after previously reporting on May 5 that the bout 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 towards 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 push fighters and is currently ranked No. 1 by the WBC at lightweight.
The match has already drawn strong reactions online due to the contrast in styles. Roach is considered a technical boxer who favors timing and precision, while Zepeda usually fights at a fast pace and throws high volume.
The WBC title became vacant following 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 looking to capture the first full world title of his career after falling short in a previous championship event.
Fans 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 in either July or August. Azteca confirmed with Zepeda’s trainer that August 1 IS the date. Now I am told the fight will probably be in LAS VEGAS on that date.
— Abraham Gonzalez (@abeG718) May 12, 2026
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Last updated on 2026/05/12 at 14:41
