Bell wants Zepeda-Roach winner after unexpected title shot vs. Mason
Albert Bell didn’t see it coming, but he’s happy it happened.
The 33-year-old lightweight contender was a few weeks away from facing Andy Cruz in an IBF eliminator on July 18. Those plans, however, drastically changed as he’ll now get a crack at the WBO 135-pound strap held by Abdullah Mason on July 4 at Wolfstein Center in Cleveland.
Mason (20-0, 17 KOs), ranked No. 5 by The Ring, was scheduled to take on former world champion Joe Cordina, but the Welshman was denied a visa to enter the United States.
Bell will have to prepare for a stylistically different opponent, but having waited so long for a chance to become a world champion, the Toledo native jumped at the chance to face Mason, the youngest male world champion in boxing, who is 11 years his junior.
“If you know my story, this is the opportunity I've been waiting on,” Bell told The Ring. “To get a direct shot at the belt made too much sense. May the best man win.”
Bell (28-0, 9 KOs) has already been putting in the work during training camp. He'll be in fight shape. He could hardly stop himself from smiling. That grin isn’t solely because of what’s directly in front of him, but also because of what may come in the future.
He doesn’t want to get too ahead of himself, but he wants to face whoever has the WBC lightweight title next. William Zepeda and Lamont Roach will clash for the vacant strap on August 1.
“I feel like both would be tough fights,” Bell said. “I got big goals. All I want is big fights."
Mason vs. Bell will stream worldwide on DAZN and will be televised by TNT in the U.S.
Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda | DAZN - August 1, 2026
-
Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102693
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
-
Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102693
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda | DAZN - August 1, 2026
Charles Conwell set for return vs. Paul Kroll on August 1
Charles Conwell is ready to get back in the saddle, 14 months after suffering the first loss of his professional career.
Conwell (21-1, 16 KOs) is set to face Paul Kroll (12-0-2, 8 KOs) on August 1 at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, a source with direct knowledge of the deal told The Ring.
The junior middleweight fight will be featured on the card headlined by a lightweight title doubleheader: Lamont Roach Jr. vs. William Zepeda for the vacant WBC title, and IBF champion Raymond Muratalla making the first defense of his lightweight crown against Robson Conceicao.
Conwell and Kroll are no strangers, as their amateur careers developed along parallel paths.
Conwell was a 2016 United States Olympian at 165 pounds while Kroll was the American 152-pound representative in the 2016 Olympic qualifiers but failed to qualify for the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Conwell also beat Kroll in the 2015 Golden Gloves finals, and they’ve previously sparred each other as well.
“The fight against Paul Kroll was offered, and I said yes,” Conwell told The Ring.
“I’m ready to get back into the ring. I’ve been locked in and ready. I’ve been training since March, and am ready to show everyone a new and improved version of myself.”
The last time Conwell, a 28-year-old Cleveland native, graced the squared circle was in April last year when he suffered a 12-round split decision loss against Jorge Garcia Perez.
Kroll has also been inactive. The 30-year-old from Philadelphia has fought only once in the last 30 months, a second-round stoppage win against Antoni Armas in March last year.
Charles Conwell is ready to get back in the saddle, 14 months after suffering the first loss of his professional career.
Conwell (21-1, 16 KOs) is set to face Paul Kroll (12-0-2, 8 KOs) on August 1 at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, a source with direct knowledge of the deal told The Ring.
The junior middleweight fight will be featured on the card headlined by a lightweight title doubleheader: Lamont Roach Jr. vs. William Zepeda for the vacant WBC title, and IBF champion Raymond Muratalla making the first defense of his lightweight crown against Robson Conceicao.
Conwell and Kroll are no strangers, as their amateur careers developed along parallel paths.
Conwell was a 2016 United States Olympian at 165 pounds while Kroll was the American 152-pound representative in the 2016 Olympic qualifiers but failed to qualify for the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Conwell also beat Kroll in the 2015 Golden Gloves finals, and they’ve previously sparred each other as well.
“The fight against Paul Kroll was offered, and I said yes,” Conwell told The Ring.
“I’m ready to get back into the ring. I’ve been locked in and ready. I’ve been training since March, and am ready to show everyone a new and improved version of myself.”
The last time Conwell, a 28-year-old Cleveland native, graced the squared circle was in April last year when he suffered a 12-round split decision loss against Jorge Garcia Perez.
Kroll has also been inactive. The 30-year-old from Philadelphia has fought only once in the last 30 months, a second-round stoppage win against Antoni Armas in March last year.
-
Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102693
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda | DAZN - August 1, 2026
Roach-Zepeda card adds Gurgen Hovhannisyan-Uila Mau’u
Heavyweight contender Gurgen Hovhannisyan has a new date and a much more serious setting for his next showcase fight.
Armenia's Hovhannisyan (10-0, 9 KOs) will face New Zealand's Uila Mau’u (10-0, 9 KOs) on August 1 at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, a source with direct knowledge of the deal told The Ring.
The heavyweight fight was originally scheduled for the ill-fated and since-scrapped July 11 show in San Francisco, which was promising to shatter outdoor attendance records by surpassing 132,000.
Hovhannisyan-Mau’u will now have a solidified slot on the undercard of the lightweight title doubleheader between Lamont Roach and William Zepeda for the vacant WBC title, and IBF champion Raymond Muratalla’s title defense against Robson Conceicao. The show is presented by Golden Boy and Premier Boxing Champions and will broadcast on DAZN and TNT as part of the second installment of "The Fight."
"Big Gug" Hovhannisyan, ranked No. 8 by the WBA, last fought in March and scored a fifth-round stoppage win against Cesar Navarro. Hovhannisyan is coached by Hall of Fame trainer Joe Goossen and tied to Al Haymon's PBC.
"Mayhem" Mau’u will mark the first unbeaten that Hovhannisyan, 28, has faced in his five-year career. Mau’u, 34, has not fought outside of the New Zealand boxing circuit in his three-year career.
Heavyweight contender Gurgen Hovhannisyan has a new date and a much more serious setting for his next showcase fight.
Armenia's Hovhannisyan (10-0, 9 KOs) will face New Zealand's Uila Mau’u (10-0, 9 KOs) on August 1 at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, a source with direct knowledge of the deal told The Ring.
The heavyweight fight was originally scheduled for the ill-fated and since-scrapped July 11 show in San Francisco, which was promising to shatter outdoor attendance records by surpassing 132,000.
Hovhannisyan-Mau’u will now have a solidified slot on the undercard of the lightweight title doubleheader between Lamont Roach and William Zepeda for the vacant WBC title, and IBF champion Raymond Muratalla’s title defense against Robson Conceicao. The show is presented by Golden Boy and Premier Boxing Champions and will broadcast on DAZN and TNT as part of the second installment of "The Fight."
"Big Gug" Hovhannisyan, ranked No. 8 by the WBA, last fought in March and scored a fifth-round stoppage win against Cesar Navarro. Hovhannisyan is coached by Hall of Fame trainer Joe Goossen and tied to Al Haymon's PBC.
"Mayhem" Mau’u will mark the first unbeaten that Hovhannisyan, 28, has faced in his five-year career. Mau’u, 34, has not fought outside of the New Zealand boxing circuit in his three-year career.
Re: Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda | DAZN - August 1, 2026
Surprisingly good undercard for golden boy standards
-
Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102693
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda | DAZN - August 1, 2026
Roach vs Zepeda undercard adds: Curiel, Big Gug, Iriarte, more
The August 1 DAZN and TNT card has fully come together.
Televised:
Roach vs Zepeda for the vacant WBC lightweight title
Muratalla vs Conceicao for Muratalla's IBF lightweight title
Raul Curiel (17-0-1, 14 KO) vs Quintin Randall (17-3-1, 4 KO) in a 10-rounder at welterweight
Gurgen "Big Gug" Hovhannisyan (10-0, 9 KO) vs Uila Mau'u (10-0, 9 KO) in a 10-rounder at heavyweight
Also:
Joel Iriarte (10-0, 9 KO - what a popular record!) vs TBA in an eight-rounder at welterweight
Charles Conwell (21-1, 16 KO) coming back against Paul Kroll (12-0-2, 8 KO) in a 10-rounder at super welterweight, which is an interesting choice for Conwell to try and "get well," as Kroll is tricky and tough but has also never really made any strides as a pro, been about the same level of fighter for several years now and doesn't stay active.
The August 1 DAZN and TNT card has fully come together.
Televised:
Roach vs Zepeda for the vacant WBC lightweight title
Muratalla vs Conceicao for Muratalla's IBF lightweight title
Raul Curiel (17-0-1, 14 KO) vs Quintin Randall (17-3-1, 4 KO) in a 10-rounder at welterweight
Gurgen "Big Gug" Hovhannisyan (10-0, 9 KO) vs Uila Mau'u (10-0, 9 KO) in a 10-rounder at heavyweight
Also:
Joel Iriarte (10-0, 9 KO - what a popular record!) vs TBA in an eight-rounder at welterweight
Charles Conwell (21-1, 16 KO) coming back against Paul Kroll (12-0-2, 8 KO) in a 10-rounder at super welterweight, which is an interesting choice for Conwell to try and "get well," as Kroll is tricky and tough but has also never really made any strides as a pro, been about the same level of fighter for several years now and doesn't stay active.
-
Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102693
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
-
Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102693
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda | DAZN - August 1, 2026
"Self-made" Lamont Roach Jnr ready for delayed lightweight belt
Lamont Roach Jnr lands a double-rich opportunity Saturday by headlining a Las Vegas fight card and earning another chance to become a two-division champion.
After consecutive draws last year to WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis and WBC interim 140lbs champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, Washington’s Roach 25-1-3 (10 KOs), tops the second edition of TNT/DAZN’s “The Fight” Saturday night at Virgin Hotels Resort Casino versus recent lightweight title challenger William Zepeda, 33-1 (27 KOs), of Mexico.
“To me, it’s being a two-division champion,” Roach said of which achievement means most to him. “It’s my dream and one of my goals to be a multi-division champion, so I’m working hard to achieve it.”
Following a 2019 junior-lightweight loss to Jamel Herring, Roach, 30, has tightened up, winning the WBA 130lbs belt in 2023 by knocking down Hector Luis Garcia in the 12th round to gain a split decision.
His moves up in weight have redefined Roach, boosting his strength and power punching. He was famously deprived of a knockdown that likely denied him of being the first to beat Davis.
And even though he endured his first career knockdown by stumbling backward and touching his glove on the canvas versus Cruz in December, Roach rallied through a hand injury to get the better of the Mexican brawler in the second half of the fight.
“Letting go of being a 130-pounder, we more naturally fit as a lightweight, and that gave me some room to put on more muscle and maintain it – not just to get big, but to let my body naturally flow with this weight class,” Roach explained to Boxing Scene recently.
Considering his ability to box from multiple dimensions against the less refined volume power puncher Zepeda, Roach likes his chances to capture the vacant WBC title.
Combined, Davis, Cruz and Zepeda have 73 knockouts/stoppages in 98 bouts.
Roach has learned throughout the recent bouts and his history of how to avoid and survive the lethal punches his foes are throwing.
“Just being confident, trusting your instincts. I’ve been doing this for a long time, man, been in there with guys who can punch and guys who are strong,” Roach said. “It’s been a long, 21-year journey, being in there with guys who are physically strong with either brute strength or knockout power.
“I just trust my instincts and do what I have to do, and I’d like to say I’m pretty good defensively, too. I’m confident I can take a shot – because I have – and I’m ready to give it right back, as you’ve seen.”
Saturday’s match is compelling beyond the match. In facing an elite fighter from Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions’ stable coming off his first career loss versus four-division champion Shakur Stevenson, Roach is squaring off against his former promoter.
Roach and Golden Boy split as the fighter shifted to ProBoxTV and then to Premier Boxing Champions.
Reinvented by the weight increase, Roach leans into the fact he hasn’t been protected, coddled or favored by those running the sport as his maturity and experience take hold at this pivotal career hour.
He said it’s “very” rewarding and fulfilling to reflect on his road, showing the tattoos on his hands that read “self” and “made.”
“From day one, I just continue to set my own path and try to achieve my own goals no matter what it takes: hoops, loops, hurdles, bumps in the road, I’m still here,” Roach said. “And that means I’m still here for a reason. I cannot wait to accomplish what I have set out for me, and what I’ve put into fruition for myself.”
De La Hoya touting this as a fight-of-the-year candidate is more than standard boxing promotion, Roach says.
“Oscar knows what William Zepeda is up against,” Roach said. “He knows that when fire meets fire, you’re going to see what happens. My fire might just come in a different direction. I know I have the ability to switch it up.
“[Zepeda’s] volume and constant pressure set him apart. Sometimes, where I see his fault, he lets his heart carry him a little too far and too much. I’d like to think he only has one style. Once that style doesn’t work, what does he want to do?”
Roach said he feels assured he’s prepared for his opponent’s style.
“Until he presents something different – he’s almost a 40-fight veteran – every [fight] is the exact same,” Roach said.
Winning is of paramount focus for many reasons, starting with the belt and the distaste of the past two draws.
“Trust me, I’ve kicked myself a few times over those verdicts. I’m not going to lie,” Roach said. “To separate myself, we’ll see fight night. Every fighter is different. Styles make fights. I have to make the necessary adjustments to appear to be more in control every round.
“A lot of people said I won those two fights. You know what a lot of people don’t say? That I lost. So, there’s things we’ve been doing to push ourselves, and if there’s a gear we have to kick into, I know I can achieve it. We’re going to sweep this.”
The showcase of a major Las Vegas fight available to a national audience lifts Roach’s profile.
“Who would’ve known as a kid growing up, watching all these Vegas fights on pay-per-view, that I’m now one of those boxers to another kid? It’s awesome,” he said.
And victory opens the door to potential meetings including IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla, who fights former 130lbs champion Robson Conceicao in Saturday’s co-main event, and new 140lbs champion Stevenson.
Roach doesn’t have a favorite.
“But it puts me in the driver’s seat for a lot of things. I want to soak up that victory so bad, appreciate my team. And then, events will come, and I’ll be in a very nice position. I will have potential options that will be lucrative and solidify a great legacy.”
Unlike Davis, who shied from a rematch amid alleged domestic violence issues, Stevenson is forthright in his interest to fight Roach.
“Absolutely. I definitely believe that some day it will [happen],” Roach said.
Lamont Roach Jnr lands a double-rich opportunity Saturday by headlining a Las Vegas fight card and earning another chance to become a two-division champion.
After consecutive draws last year to WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis and WBC interim 140lbs champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz, Washington’s Roach 25-1-3 (10 KOs), tops the second edition of TNT/DAZN’s “The Fight” Saturday night at Virgin Hotels Resort Casino versus recent lightweight title challenger William Zepeda, 33-1 (27 KOs), of Mexico.
“To me, it’s being a two-division champion,” Roach said of which achievement means most to him. “It’s my dream and one of my goals to be a multi-division champion, so I’m working hard to achieve it.”
Following a 2019 junior-lightweight loss to Jamel Herring, Roach, 30, has tightened up, winning the WBA 130lbs belt in 2023 by knocking down Hector Luis Garcia in the 12th round to gain a split decision.
His moves up in weight have redefined Roach, boosting his strength and power punching. He was famously deprived of a knockdown that likely denied him of being the first to beat Davis.
And even though he endured his first career knockdown by stumbling backward and touching his glove on the canvas versus Cruz in December, Roach rallied through a hand injury to get the better of the Mexican brawler in the second half of the fight.
“Letting go of being a 130-pounder, we more naturally fit as a lightweight, and that gave me some room to put on more muscle and maintain it – not just to get big, but to let my body naturally flow with this weight class,” Roach explained to Boxing Scene recently.
Considering his ability to box from multiple dimensions against the less refined volume power puncher Zepeda, Roach likes his chances to capture the vacant WBC title.
Combined, Davis, Cruz and Zepeda have 73 knockouts/stoppages in 98 bouts.
Roach has learned throughout the recent bouts and his history of how to avoid and survive the lethal punches his foes are throwing.
“Just being confident, trusting your instincts. I’ve been doing this for a long time, man, been in there with guys who can punch and guys who are strong,” Roach said. “It’s been a long, 21-year journey, being in there with guys who are physically strong with either brute strength or knockout power.
“I just trust my instincts and do what I have to do, and I’d like to say I’m pretty good defensively, too. I’m confident I can take a shot – because I have – and I’m ready to give it right back, as you’ve seen.”
Saturday’s match is compelling beyond the match. In facing an elite fighter from Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions’ stable coming off his first career loss versus four-division champion Shakur Stevenson, Roach is squaring off against his former promoter.
Roach and Golden Boy split as the fighter shifted to ProBoxTV and then to Premier Boxing Champions.
Reinvented by the weight increase, Roach leans into the fact he hasn’t been protected, coddled or favored by those running the sport as his maturity and experience take hold at this pivotal career hour.
He said it’s “very” rewarding and fulfilling to reflect on his road, showing the tattoos on his hands that read “self” and “made.”
“From day one, I just continue to set my own path and try to achieve my own goals no matter what it takes: hoops, loops, hurdles, bumps in the road, I’m still here,” Roach said. “And that means I’m still here for a reason. I cannot wait to accomplish what I have set out for me, and what I’ve put into fruition for myself.”
De La Hoya touting this as a fight-of-the-year candidate is more than standard boxing promotion, Roach says.
“Oscar knows what William Zepeda is up against,” Roach said. “He knows that when fire meets fire, you’re going to see what happens. My fire might just come in a different direction. I know I have the ability to switch it up.
“[Zepeda’s] volume and constant pressure set him apart. Sometimes, where I see his fault, he lets his heart carry him a little too far and too much. I’d like to think he only has one style. Once that style doesn’t work, what does he want to do?”
Roach said he feels assured he’s prepared for his opponent’s style.
“Until he presents something different – he’s almost a 40-fight veteran – every [fight] is the exact same,” Roach said.
Winning is of paramount focus for many reasons, starting with the belt and the distaste of the past two draws.
“Trust me, I’ve kicked myself a few times over those verdicts. I’m not going to lie,” Roach said. “To separate myself, we’ll see fight night. Every fighter is different. Styles make fights. I have to make the necessary adjustments to appear to be more in control every round.
“A lot of people said I won those two fights. You know what a lot of people don’t say? That I lost. So, there’s things we’ve been doing to push ourselves, and if there’s a gear we have to kick into, I know I can achieve it. We’re going to sweep this.”
The showcase of a major Las Vegas fight available to a national audience lifts Roach’s profile.
“Who would’ve known as a kid growing up, watching all these Vegas fights on pay-per-view, that I’m now one of those boxers to another kid? It’s awesome,” he said.
And victory opens the door to potential meetings including IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla, who fights former 130lbs champion Robson Conceicao in Saturday’s co-main event, and new 140lbs champion Stevenson.
Roach doesn’t have a favorite.
“But it puts me in the driver’s seat for a lot of things. I want to soak up that victory so bad, appreciate my team. And then, events will come, and I’ll be in a very nice position. I will have potential options that will be lucrative and solidify a great legacy.”
Unlike Davis, who shied from a rematch amid alleged domestic violence issues, Stevenson is forthright in his interest to fight Roach.
“Absolutely. I definitely believe that some day it will [happen],” Roach said.
-
Perkin Warbeck
- Lightweight
- Posts: 1959
- Joined: 25 Jun 2018, 19:53
Re: Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda | DAZN - August 1, 2026
Lamont Roach will very likely win by decision.
-
PRINCEKOOL
- Middleweight
- Posts: 60
- Joined: 21 Apr 2014, 19:49
Re: Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda | DAZN - August 1, 2026
Well Lamont Roach seems to be the favourite with many people 'but I think this is a very close fight. William Zepeda has power, and he has the boxing ability to apply pressure to high level boxers. This was displayed in his fight vs. Shakur Stevenson'.
Note: I would not be overly surprised if William Zepeda could achieve a win here 'but? You have to make Lamont Roach the slight favourite, and he does have good momentum coming into this fight'.
Lamont Roach survived Gervonta "Tank" Davis's power 'and was also able to win rounds against him boxing. It will most likely be a similar fight to Roach vs. Tank Davis. A distance fight' etc.
Note: I would not be overly surprised if William Zepeda could achieve a win here 'but? You have to make Lamont Roach the slight favourite, and he does have good momentum coming into this fight'.
Lamont Roach survived Gervonta "Tank" Davis's power 'and was also able to win rounds against him boxing. It will most likely be a similar fight to Roach vs. Tank Davis. A distance fight' etc.
Re: Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda | DAZN - August 1, 2026
Roach should win on points but I'm open to the possibility that he gets Stopped.
-
Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102693
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda | DAZN - August 1, 2026
Raymond Muratalla can stamp self as world's best lightweight
Raymond Muratalla’s elevation to boxing champion has taken him to consecutive matches versus Olympic gold medalists.
Brazil’s Robson Conceicao on Saturday follows Cuba’s Andy Cruz, who Muratalla edged in a riveting January IBF lightweight title defense here.
And winning Saturday in the co-main event of the new monthly boxing series “The Fight” on TNT and DAZN shoots Muratalla, 24-0 (17 KOs), toward a wealth of attractive possibilities.
The top target is WBO 140lbs champion Shakur Stevenson, the unbeaten four-division champion and Olympic silver medalist who recently joined Zuffa Boxing.
“We’ve been [calling him out],” Muratalla told Boxing Scene Thursday at his news conference at Virgin Hotels Resort Casino. “At this point, I’m just going to continue to fight and focus on my fights that are made. Whatever happens after happens, but I want the biggest fights. That’s something I’ve been wanting. I don’t know how many more times I can ask for it.”
First Fontana, California’s Muratalla, 29, has to confront Conceicao, 21-3-1 (10 KOs), the former super-featherweight champion who’s lost a unanimous decision to Stevenson, but fought unified 130lbs champion Emanuel Navarrete to a draw and edged current champion O’Shaquie Foster to win his belt.
“I was training 40 days in Las Vegas. It’s been very hot, but I'm looking forward to taking this belt back to Brazil,” Conceicao said. “[Muratalla] is a good fighter. I’m not here to talk, I’m here to fight.”
Top Rank’s Hall of Fame matchmaker Brad Goodman said Conceicao’s experience makes him formidable.
“Experienced guy, great amateur pedigree, champion… this may be his last shot and you’ll see the best of him,” Goodman said of the 37-year-old.
Muratalla is set on not allowing Conceicao to be a trap fight as the greater bouts await.
“I’m expecting a good fight. We’re both good fighters, fully prepared. I’m expecting a war,” Muratalla said, explaining Conceicao has fought and seen more than January gold-medalist Cruz. “But I have experience too. I’ve fought so many different guys. You’re just going to see a better version of myself. I’m looking forward to showing him my skillset. I’ve watched all of his fights. I’m fully aware of what he brings.
“It’s just the mindset I have, the drive I have in me. I’m driven to make an impact on the sport and have fun while I’m doing it.”
Muratalla calls the WBC lightweight-title main event pitting former 130lbs champion Lamont Roach Jnr and 2025 title challenger William Zepeda a near 50-50 fight giving Roach the slight edge.
He said he’s willing to fight the winner for a unification, but isn’t sure the winner will want it, just as he questions if Top Rank stablemate Abdullah Mason or the WBA title winner between Floyd Schofield Jnr and Lucas Bahdi will want him.
“I’m looking for the biggest fights,” Muratalla said. “They see I’m a threat to the division and they don't want to fight me. But I want all of them.”
Raymond Muratalla’s elevation to boxing champion has taken him to consecutive matches versus Olympic gold medalists.
Brazil’s Robson Conceicao on Saturday follows Cuba’s Andy Cruz, who Muratalla edged in a riveting January IBF lightweight title defense here.
And winning Saturday in the co-main event of the new monthly boxing series “The Fight” on TNT and DAZN shoots Muratalla, 24-0 (17 KOs), toward a wealth of attractive possibilities.
The top target is WBO 140lbs champion Shakur Stevenson, the unbeaten four-division champion and Olympic silver medalist who recently joined Zuffa Boxing.
“We’ve been [calling him out],” Muratalla told Boxing Scene Thursday at his news conference at Virgin Hotels Resort Casino. “At this point, I’m just going to continue to fight and focus on my fights that are made. Whatever happens after happens, but I want the biggest fights. That’s something I’ve been wanting. I don’t know how many more times I can ask for it.”
First Fontana, California’s Muratalla, 29, has to confront Conceicao, 21-3-1 (10 KOs), the former super-featherweight champion who’s lost a unanimous decision to Stevenson, but fought unified 130lbs champion Emanuel Navarrete to a draw and edged current champion O’Shaquie Foster to win his belt.
“I was training 40 days in Las Vegas. It’s been very hot, but I'm looking forward to taking this belt back to Brazil,” Conceicao said. “[Muratalla] is a good fighter. I’m not here to talk, I’m here to fight.”
Top Rank’s Hall of Fame matchmaker Brad Goodman said Conceicao’s experience makes him formidable.
“Experienced guy, great amateur pedigree, champion… this may be his last shot and you’ll see the best of him,” Goodman said of the 37-year-old.
Muratalla is set on not allowing Conceicao to be a trap fight as the greater bouts await.
“I’m expecting a good fight. We’re both good fighters, fully prepared. I’m expecting a war,” Muratalla said, explaining Conceicao has fought and seen more than January gold-medalist Cruz. “But I have experience too. I’ve fought so many different guys. You’re just going to see a better version of myself. I’m looking forward to showing him my skillset. I’ve watched all of his fights. I’m fully aware of what he brings.
“It’s just the mindset I have, the drive I have in me. I’m driven to make an impact on the sport and have fun while I’m doing it.”
Muratalla calls the WBC lightweight-title main event pitting former 130lbs champion Lamont Roach Jnr and 2025 title challenger William Zepeda a near 50-50 fight giving Roach the slight edge.
He said he’s willing to fight the winner for a unification, but isn’t sure the winner will want it, just as he questions if Top Rank stablemate Abdullah Mason or the WBA title winner between Floyd Schofield Jnr and Lucas Bahdi will want him.
“I’m looking for the biggest fights,” Muratalla said. “They see I’m a threat to the division and they don't want to fight me. But I want all of them.”
-
Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102693
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda | DAZN - August 1, 2026
Roach ready to show whether Zepeda's chin 'can hold up'
Lamont Roach isn’t known as the hardest puncher in the world, but he wants to change some minds Saturday night.
The former WBA 130-pound champion intends to test William Zepeda’s chin when they fight for the vacant WBC 135-pound belt at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Considering Zepeda’s durability and Roach having just 10 knockouts in 29 fights, if Roach were to win, it seems likely that he’ll do so on points.
The Upper Marlboro, Maryland native doesn’t intend to box and move, though. Instead, he plans on tagging Zepeda with lefts and rights all night.
If that happens, Roach will be surprised if The Ring’s No. 3-ranked lightweight contender makes it all 12 rounds.
“We’ll see if his chin can hold up,” Roach told Fight Hub TV. “If his chin can hold up, I’ll tip my hat off to him. I might take him to dinner after. To take the shots that I’m gonna deliver that night, round in and round out, it’s gonna be hard.”
Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs), a strong southpaw from San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, is as motivated as ever. When last seen, he was busy swinging at air as Shakur Stevenson made him miss and made him pay constantly during their July 2025 bout.
Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs), who has since ascended to the No. 3 spot on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list, defeated Zepeda by unanimous decision and retained the WBC lightweight title at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.
Roach, meanwhile, settled for 12-round majority draws in each of his last two fights.
The first one came against heavily favored Gervonta Davis in March 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Roach would’ve won that fight if referee Steve Willis counted a knockdown for him when Davis took a knee in the ninth round, but Roach was under the impression that an immediate rematch would at least take place.
That, of course, didn’t happen, which led to him meeting Mexico’s Isaac Cruz on December 6 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. Roach (25-1-3, 10 KOs) moved up five more pounds to fight for Cruz’s WBC interim 140-pound championship.
For the second time in nine months, the three judges sitting ringside were unable to pick a winner, leaving Roach with his third draw in his past 13 fights. Needless to say, the slick contender is working his tail off to make sure it doesn’t happen for a third straight time.
“William Zepeda virtually has one style, one way,” Roach said. “No one has seen him fight a different way. He has little defensive lapses that I can capitalize on. I think the fight will be pretty challenging, but that’s what I’m putting myself through hell for during training camp. Come fight night, we’ll be ready for all obstacles.”
TNT will televise Roach-Zepeda in the United States as the 12-round main event of a multi-bout broadcast scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). DAZN’s worldwide coverage of the main portion of the Roach-Zepeda undercard is also set to begin at 8 p.m. ET in the U.S. and 1 a.m. BST Sunday in the United Kingdom.
Lamont Roach isn’t known as the hardest puncher in the world, but he wants to change some minds Saturday night.
The former WBA 130-pound champion intends to test William Zepeda’s chin when they fight for the vacant WBC 135-pound belt at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Considering Zepeda’s durability and Roach having just 10 knockouts in 29 fights, if Roach were to win, it seems likely that he’ll do so on points.
The Upper Marlboro, Maryland native doesn’t intend to box and move, though. Instead, he plans on tagging Zepeda with lefts and rights all night.
If that happens, Roach will be surprised if The Ring’s No. 3-ranked lightweight contender makes it all 12 rounds.
“We’ll see if his chin can hold up,” Roach told Fight Hub TV. “If his chin can hold up, I’ll tip my hat off to him. I might take him to dinner after. To take the shots that I’m gonna deliver that night, round in and round out, it’s gonna be hard.”
Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs), a strong southpaw from San Mateo Atenco, Mexico, is as motivated as ever. When last seen, he was busy swinging at air as Shakur Stevenson made him miss and made him pay constantly during their July 2025 bout.
Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs), who has since ascended to the No. 3 spot on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list, defeated Zepeda by unanimous decision and retained the WBC lightweight title at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.
Roach, meanwhile, settled for 12-round majority draws in each of his last two fights.
The first one came against heavily favored Gervonta Davis in March 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Roach would’ve won that fight if referee Steve Willis counted a knockdown for him when Davis took a knee in the ninth round, but Roach was under the impression that an immediate rematch would at least take place.
That, of course, didn’t happen, which led to him meeting Mexico’s Isaac Cruz on December 6 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio. Roach (25-1-3, 10 KOs) moved up five more pounds to fight for Cruz’s WBC interim 140-pound championship.
For the second time in nine months, the three judges sitting ringside were unable to pick a winner, leaving Roach with his third draw in his past 13 fights. Needless to say, the slick contender is working his tail off to make sure it doesn’t happen for a third straight time.
“William Zepeda virtually has one style, one way,” Roach said. “No one has seen him fight a different way. He has little defensive lapses that I can capitalize on. I think the fight will be pretty challenging, but that’s what I’m putting myself through hell for during training camp. Come fight night, we’ll be ready for all obstacles.”
TNT will televise Roach-Zepeda in the United States as the 12-round main event of a multi-bout broadcast scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). DAZN’s worldwide coverage of the main portion of the Roach-Zepeda undercard is also set to begin at 8 p.m. ET in the U.S. and 1 a.m. BST Sunday in the United Kingdom.
-
Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 102693
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda | DAZN - August 1, 2026
Roach ready for Zepeda, expected fireworks
For many, Lamont Roach Jr. vs. William Zepeda has the makings of one of boxing’s best fights of the year.
Expectations are high for the title fight because the fighters, both of whom are skillful, offensive minded and experienced, have track records of fast-paced, exciting wars.
Roach (25-1-3, 10 KOs) faces Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs) for the vacant WBC lightweight title on Saturday at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the second show of “The Fight” series on DAZN and TNT (8 p.m. ET/1 a.m. BST).
“I have a bundle of skills,” Roach said at the final press conference on Thursday. “I have a ton of will, heart like a lion, and cajones like Godzilla. William Zepeda does as well. It's a hell of a clash. We can't wait to see how it turns out Saturday night.”
The opportunity to fight for the vacant title came after Shakur Stevenson was stripped of the belt in February after refusing to pay the $120,000 sanctioning fee for a 140-pound title fight, in which a WBC belt wasn’t on the line.
Roach, a former WBA 130-pound champion, has fought to consecutive majority draws. The first came in controversial fashion against then-WBA lightweight titleholder Gervonta Davis in March 2025. Had referee Steve Willis ruled Davis taking a knee in the ninth round as a knockdown, Roach would have won by decision.
The 30-year-old from Washington, D.C., then moved up to junior welterweight and fought former 140-pound titleholder Isaac Cruz in his last fight on Dec. 6, which also ended with no winner. Roach’s last victory was an eighth-round stoppage of Feargal McCrory in his only title defense in June 2024.
Zepeda’s lone world title bid was a unanimous decision loss against Stevenson in July 2025. The 30-year-old Mexican, had his moments early with his pressure and relentless punch output, but the slick southpaw eventually proved to be too skillful and took over in the second half.
Zepeda’s last win was a majority decision victory over former 130-pound world titleholder Tevin Farmer in their rematch in March 2025.
When the offer came to face Zepeda, The Ring’s No. 3-ranked lightweight, Roach couldn't say no because he can become a two-division world champion. Plus, he likes the idea of testing himself against the pressure-fighting southpaw.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to fight one of the best fighters in the weight class for so long,” Roach said. “Zepeda has been the No. 1 contender in a few sanctioning bodies, and that's something that we paid attention to. Once the opportunity came to fight for the WBC world championship, of course, I said yes.”
For many, Lamont Roach Jr. vs. William Zepeda has the makings of one of boxing’s best fights of the year.
Expectations are high for the title fight because the fighters, both of whom are skillful, offensive minded and experienced, have track records of fast-paced, exciting wars.
Roach (25-1-3, 10 KOs) faces Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs) for the vacant WBC lightweight title on Saturday at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, the second show of “The Fight” series on DAZN and TNT (8 p.m. ET/1 a.m. BST).
“I have a bundle of skills,” Roach said at the final press conference on Thursday. “I have a ton of will, heart like a lion, and cajones like Godzilla. William Zepeda does as well. It's a hell of a clash. We can't wait to see how it turns out Saturday night.”
The opportunity to fight for the vacant title came after Shakur Stevenson was stripped of the belt in February after refusing to pay the $120,000 sanctioning fee for a 140-pound title fight, in which a WBC belt wasn’t on the line.
Roach, a former WBA 130-pound champion, has fought to consecutive majority draws. The first came in controversial fashion against then-WBA lightweight titleholder Gervonta Davis in March 2025. Had referee Steve Willis ruled Davis taking a knee in the ninth round as a knockdown, Roach would have won by decision.
The 30-year-old from Washington, D.C., then moved up to junior welterweight and fought former 140-pound titleholder Isaac Cruz in his last fight on Dec. 6, which also ended with no winner. Roach’s last victory was an eighth-round stoppage of Feargal McCrory in his only title defense in June 2024.
Zepeda’s lone world title bid was a unanimous decision loss against Stevenson in July 2025. The 30-year-old Mexican, had his moments early with his pressure and relentless punch output, but the slick southpaw eventually proved to be too skillful and took over in the second half.
Zepeda’s last win was a majority decision victory over former 130-pound world titleholder Tevin Farmer in their rematch in March 2025.
When the offer came to face Zepeda, The Ring’s No. 3-ranked lightweight, Roach couldn't say no because he can become a two-division world champion. Plus, he likes the idea of testing himself against the pressure-fighting southpaw.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to fight one of the best fighters in the weight class for so long,” Roach said. “Zepeda has been the No. 1 contender in a few sanctioning bodies, and that's something that we paid attention to. Once the opportunity came to fight for the WBC world championship, of course, I said yes.”