BoxRec

WBC Orders Zepeda vs. Roach

Following the sanctioning body’s decision to strip Shakur Stevenson of his 135-pound crown last month, WBC officials have ordered a title clash between William Zepeda and Lamont Roach.

This transition comes on the heels of Stevenson’s successful jump to junior welterweight, where he solidified his status by defeating Teofimo Lopez in January. For Zepeda, this represents a shot at redemption; despite falling to Stevenson in July 2025, he was propelled to the WBC’s top spot once the title became vacant.

Roach enters the bout following a string of stalemates, having fought to back-to-back majority draws against Gervonta Davis in May 2025 and Isaac Cruz in December. Interestingly, the move sidelines WBC Interim Champion Ricardo Núñez, who—under standard protocols—would usually be the first in line to be elevated or fight for the full championship.

“They came to the WBC with a proposal to have No. 1 and No. 2 (fight for the title). They had reached a deal to fight and they came (with) the proposal with the WBC blessing it for the title. “We did not order the fight. They came to the WBC with a proposal. So did many other others. That’s why we went to a vote (of the WBC Board of Governors) and it was ruled that this is the highest prestige, highest interest fight and we believe it’s very good for the sport.

“We also have a few other petitions from promoters who wanted to contest for the vacant title so we did proceed with No. 1 and No. 2. The winner fights Herrera or the winner of Herrera if he defends (the interim title) against somebody else,” Sulaiman said

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The WBC have now officially ordered Lamont Roach vs William Zepeda for the vacant WBC lightweight world title.

The title was originally held by Shakur Stevenson, who was stripped following his win over Teofimo Lopez at The Ring VI in January over unpaid sanctioning fees.

William Zepeda-Lamont Roach 135lbs title fight ordered by WBC

Lamont Roach Jnr has finally landed a title fight, even without the opportunity to avenge either of his past two blemishes.

WBC officials have formally ordered a vacant lightweight title fight between Roach and former title challenger William Zepeda.

Zepeda, 33-1 (27 KOs), is the WBC’s number-one contender at 135lbs; Roach, 25-1-3 (10 KOs), is ranked second.

The two sides will have 30 days to reach terms, at which point a purse-bid hearing will be called in the absence of a confirmed deal in place.

The winner will claim the title left behind by Shakur Stevenson, 25-0 (11 KOs), the four-division champ and current lineal, RING and WBO king. His reign – which began in November 2023 – ended in a bitter dispute with the WBC over non-payment surrounding his permitted challenge of then-140lbs champ Teofimo Lopez on January 31 in New York City.

Zepeda, 33-1 (27 KOs), has not fought since his own defeat by Stevenson in their title consolidation bout in July 2025 in Queens, New York. Still, he maintained the top slot in the WBC 135lbs rankings.

The Mexican southpaw was the interim titlist at the time and – while forcing Stevenson to fight out of his comfort zone – fell well short on the scorecards in his first crack at a major title. He previously claimed a secondary version of the WBC interim belt in a win over Tevin Farmer in November 2024, overcoming a fifth-round knockdown to prevail via 10-round, split decision.

Their rematch in March 2025 involved Zepeda earning a 12-round, majority decision in what is also his most recent win

Roach went all of 2025 without a win, though his stock has never been higher.

The former WBA 130lbs titlist fought to a draw in back-to-back contests, beginning with his clash with then-WBA 135lbs titleholder Gervonta “Tank” Davis in March in Brooklyn, New York. Davis avoided a knockdown call and was essentially permitted a timeout after taking a knee in the ninth round. The fumbled call by referee Steve Willis proved to be the difference on the cards, as Roach was forced to settle for a majority draw.

Roach was dealt a similar fate in his challenge of WBC interim 140lbs titlist Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in December in San Antonio, Texas. In their spirited affair Roach recovered from a third-round knockdown and seemingly outboxed Cruz – who was deducted a point in round seven for excessive holding and hitting.

Roach did not manage to win on a single scorecard in that bout or the one with Davis.

Still, his effort in both contests was enough for the WBC to agree to assign a lofty ranking, upon his commitment to return and campaign at lightweight.

William Zepeda-Lamont Roach WBC lightweight title fight targeted for June

William Zepeda and Lamont Roach Jnr are prepared to move forward with their head-on collision.

While a firm date is not yet established, Boxing Scene has learned that the abovementioned vacant WBC 135lbs title fight is tentatively eyed for June. The development comes as Golden Boy Promotions signed a multi-year extension with DAZN, which provides greater flexibility in getting the fight over the line – having a choice of fight dates, rather than wait on the first available.

The matchup pits the WBC’s two-highest ranked contenders in a bid to fill the void left behind by Shakur Stevenson, 25-0 (11 KOs), the four-division champ and current lineal, RING and WBO king. Zepeda, 33-1 (27 KOs) is the WBC’s No. 1 contender at 135lbs; Roach, 25-1-3 (10 KOs) is No. 2.

Stevenson’s reign began in November 2023 but ended in a bitter dispute with the WBC over non-payment surrounding his permitted challenge of then-140lbs champ Teofimo Lopez on January 31 in New York City.

The vacancy will now be filled by two action fighters, despite the fact that neither will have posted a win in more than a year come fight night.

Mexico’s Zepeda has not fought since his own defeat to Stevenson in their title consolidation bout last July 12 in Queens, New York. Still, he maintained the top slot in the WBC 135lbs rankings. The southpaw was the interim titlist at the time and – while forcing Stevenson to fight out of his comfort zone – fell well short on the scorecards in his first crack at a major title.

Zepeda previously claimed a secondary version of the WBC interim belt in a November 2024 win over Tevin Farmer. It required his having to survive his first career knockdown to prevail via disputed decision. Their March 2025 rematch saw Zepeda earn a 12-round, majority decision in his most recent win to date.

Roach went all of 2025 without a win, though both of his fights on the year left the talented boxer from the greater D.C. area in higher demand than ever before.

The former WBA 130lbs titlist fought to a draw in back-to-back contests, beginning with his clash with then-WBA 135lbs titleholder Gervonta “Tank” Davis last March 1 in Brooklyn, New York.

Roach was essentially cheated out of a win when referee Steve Willis badly blew what should have been a knockdown call in the 9th round. Davis went to a knee after complaining of a substance in his eye, though the sequence took place immediately after Roach landed a punch. The unbeaten boxer was essentially permitted a timeout, a development which sparked industry-wide rage.

Davis hasn’t fought since that night, even leaving Roach on read when it came time to finalize their planned rematch last summer. Roach was at least rewarded with another high-profile assignment when he faced WBC interim 140lbs titlist Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz last December 6 in San Antonio, Texas.

Their PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view headliner saw Roach recover from a 3rd round knockdown and seemingly outbox Cruz – who was deducted a point in Round 7 for excessive holding and hitting.

Still, Roach did not manage to win on a single scorecard in that bout or the one with Davis.

His effort in both contests was enough for the WBC to agree to assign a lofty ranking, upon his commitment to return and campaign at lightweight.

Whenever the fight takes place, the winner will have to next face interim titlist Jadier Herrera, 18-0 (16 KOs) per a prior WBC ruling. The terms were conditional for Zepeda and Roach – who already agreed to terms – to jump over the unbeaten Cuban, who knocked out Ricardo Nuñez in the 8th round to win the secondary title on January 10 in Oberhausen, Germany.

Per sources involved, June 20 is the date in the works for the William Zepeda-Lamont Roach Jr. fight for the vacant WBC 135 title that their teams are negotiating. No site yet. #boxing

UPDATE I was told that the Lamont Roach Jr vs William Zepeda fight is unlikely to occur on June 20th. July and August dates are being explored.

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. @FightsATW

Lamont Roach Vs William Zepeda Expected For August 1

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.

Roach discovered the unlimited title shot glitch.
Good on him fighting those tough fights though.

Lamont Roach Jnr, William Zepeda chase title breakthrough in August 1 showdown

Lamont Roach Jnr and William Zepeda have been turned away by a referee, some judges and a generational talent in their recent pursuits of a world title.

Fighting each other for the WBC lightweight title August 1 in Las Vegas would go a long way toward clearing the pesky barriers – for at least one of them.

Confirming a first report by FightsATW, BS was told Friday that Washington’s former super-featherweight champion Roach, 25-1-3 (10 KOs), and Mexico’s recent title contender Zepeda, 33-1 (27 KOs), are in agreement to fight for the vacant WBC belt.

DAZN and TNT will broadcast the Golden Boy Promotions card.

Zepeda, 29, will be off for a year by the time the fight date arrives.

The Golden Boy fighter was defeated by unbeaten four-division champion Shakur Stevenson by unanimous-decision scores of 118-110, 118-110, 119-109 July 12 in New York.

Roach, who previously fought for Golden Boy and now fights under the ProBoxTV banner, has been far closer to winning a second belt, but was denied in March 2025, when referee Steve Willis failed to award him a knockdown of then-WBA lightweight champion Gervonta Davis at New York’s Barclays Center.

The deprived points proved crucial when the bout ended as a draw.

In December, Roach fought former 140lbs champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz to a majority draw in Texas, rallying on the scorecards and overcoming a third-round knockdown.

A final venue for August 1 has not been settled, according to two officials connected to the deal, but the ideal landing spot is Mandalay Bay.

Raymond Muratalla will defend his IBF lightweight title against Robson Conceicao on August 1st in Las Vegas.

The bout will serve as the co-main event to Lamont Roach vs William Zeped

ROACH-ZEPEDA TOPS AUG. 1 SHOW, MURATALLA-CONCEICAO CO-MAIN

Two lightweight title fights are inching closer to being finalized for the summer schedule.

Lamont Roach and William Zepeda are reportedly set to square off for the vacant WBC title to headline a show on August 1 in Las Vegas, while IBF champion Raymond Muratalla makes the second defense of his crown against Robson Conceicao in the co-main event.

DAZN's Chris Mannix reported the development on Saturday and alluded that the winners of each fight would later square off for a title unification bout.

Roach (25-1-3, 10 KOs) last fought in December to a majority draw against Isaac Cruz in a 140-pound fight. It was the second consecutive majority draw for Roach, who also endured an inconclusive result against Gervonta Davis in March 2025.

Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs) hasn't fought since suffering a unanimous decision defeat in July against then WBC 135-pound champion Shakur Stevenson. The WBC stripped Stevenson of his title in February, days after he beat Teofimo Lopez for The Ring and WBO 140-pound titles.

Muratalla (24-0, 17 KOs) defended his IBF crown for the first time in January while scoring a career-best decision win against Andy Cruz.

Conceicao (21-3-1, 10 KOs), a 2016 Olympic gold medalist, has been keeping busy in Brazil for his last two outings after dropping the WBC 130-pound title during an O'Shaquie Foster rematch in November 2024.

Would be funny if this e da in a draw.

And there is a chance.

Lamont Roach Jr., William Zepeda to square off in August

Lamont Roach Jr. and William Zepeda will meet for the vacant WBC lightweight championship in Las Vegas on Aug. 1 at a venue to be determined.

The long-rumored fight was announced during the broadcast of O'Shaquie Foster vs. Raymond Ford on DAZN. The fight will be promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and broadcast on DAZN and TNT.

Roach (25-1-3, 10 knockouts) is coming off a majority draw against Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz in December. That draw followed a controversial majority draw with Gervonta "Tank" Davis in March during his winless 2025.

Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs) suffered the first loss of his career against Shakur Stevenson last July and hopes to win his first major world championship.

Raymond Muratalla (24-0, 17 KOs) will put his IBF lightweight title on the line against former WBC junior lightweight titleholder Robson Conceicao (19-3-1, 9 KOs) in the co-main event.

ANNOUNCED: Lamont Roach will face William Zepeda for the vacant WBC lightweight title on August 1st in Las Vegas on DAZN.

Lamont Roach Jnr-William Zepeda officially confirmed for August 1

It has been confirmed, after being reported by Boxing Scene two weeks ago, that Lamont Roach Jnr and William Zepeda will do battle for the vacant WBC lightweight championship on August 1 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Headlining TNT Sports and DAZN’s The Fight, a new monthly live boxing series, the 12-round showdown will be broadcast co-exclusively in the United States on TNT and truTV and worldwide on DAZN and presented by Golden Boy Promotions in co-promotion with TGB Promotions and ProBox Promotions.

“This is my fourth consecutive world title fight coming up in a different weight class,” said Roach, 25-1-3 (10 KOs). “No doubt, I am bringing boxing back, and I’m coming for the top spot. I want the P4P belt layer.”

Roach hinted at that level last March when, as a hefty underdog, he was widely thought unfortunate to only get a draw with Gervonta “Tank” Davis in Brooklyn, New York. He followed that with another draw against Isaac Cruz in December.

Zepeda, 33-1 (27 KOs), will be looking to bounce back from a competitive, but deserved, unanimous 12-round points defeat to Shakur Stevenson in July.

“We’ve been working hard since my last fight. We’re at the forefront of the lightweight division, and we know every opponent at this level presents a serious challenge,” said Zepeda. “Once again, we’ve been given the opportunity to fight for a world championship, and we’re ready to show the world exactly who ‘El Camarón’ Zepeda is. I hope Lamont comes fully prepared, because we’re going to put on a great show for the fans.”

Lamont Roach vs William Zepeda set for vacant WBC title fight, August 1

Lamont Roach and William Zepeda collide this summer with a world title on the line.

It’s official. Lamont Roach and William Zepeda have officially been scheduled for a vacant WBC lightweight title fight to take place on August 1 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, streaming live on DAZN (the main event will also be available on TNT & truTV).

Roach (25-1-3, 10 KOs) is coming off of back-to-back draws against Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz, but due to the controversial scores in those fights he’s been positioned for another deserved bite at the apple here.

“This is my fourth consecutive world title fight coming up in a different weight class,” said Roach. “No doubt, I am bringing boxing back, and I’m coming for the top spot. I want the P4P belt layer.”

Meanwhile Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs) was most recently dominated by Shakur Stevenson last summer, but looks to bounce back in this outing.

“We’ve been working hard since my last fight. We’re at the forefront of the lightweight division, and we know every opponent at this level presents a serious challenge,” said Zepeda. “Once again, we’ve been given the opportunity to fight for a world championship, and we’re ready to show the world exactly who ‘El Camarón’ Zepeda is. I hope Lamont comes fully prepared, because we’re going to put on a great show for the fans.”

General on-sale tickets go live on June 5.

Roach vs. Zepeda title fight official, on basic cable in U.S.

The Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda fight on August 1 is official. And it will be available on basic cable.

Roach, the former WBA 130-pound champion, will face Zepeda, The Ring’s No. 3 ranked 135-pounder, for the vacant WBC lightweight title at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, it was announced Wednesday.

The bout will be broadcast in the United States on TNT and truTV, it was also announced. The card will also be available worldwide on DAZN.

IBF 135-pound titleholder Raymond Muratalla is expected to defend his belt against 2016 Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceicao in the co-feature, as previously reported by The Ring. That bout hasn't been officially announced.

Roach (25-1-3, 10 KOs) is coming off back-to-back majority-decision draws with elite-level opponents, against Gervonta Davis at 135 pounds in March of last year and Isaac Cruz at 140 in December.

Roach was under the impression that Davis and Cruz would run things back. However, Davis, despite activating the rematch clause in his contract, ditched Roach for an exhibition against Jake Paul that didn’t take place because of Davis’ legal issues.

Roach moved on to face Cruz, with whom he couldn't come to terms for a second fight.

Meanwhile, Zepeda has been out of the ring since he lost a one-sided decision to then-WBC 135-pound champ Shakur Stevenson last July. Stevenson was stripped of the belt when he defeated Teofimo Lopez to win the WBO 140-pound title in January.

Muratalla (24-0, 17 KOs), rated No. 2 by The Ring, is fresh off a close majority decision win over Andy Cruz in defense of his IBF 135-pound title in January.

Conceicao (21-3-1, 10 KOs) is hoping to start a second title reign. The Brazilian lost his WBC 130-pound title in a rematch with O'Shaquie Foster but rebounded to beat two second-tier opponents in his native country since the setback.

The winners of Roach vs. Zepeda and Muratalla vs. Conceicao are expected to face one another next.

Not seen Zepeda since Shakur.
He could get himself in the zone, but would frequently fire shots wide of the target.