Roach says a showdown with Stevenson would decide the best lightweight, but his focus must first turn to William Zepeda on August 1.
Lamont Roach Jr. has already identified Shakur Stevenson as his preferred next opponent if he defeats William Zepeda on August 1. Roach believes a meeting between the pair would determine the division’s leading lightweight, but he first faces one of boxing’s toughest pressure fighters.
“I don’t think it’s hard to make me and Shakur, and I don’t think it’s hard to make any unification,” Roach said to Sean Zittel. “Me and Muratalla are fighting the same night. So, as we’re both going to be free, there’s a lot of options.”
Roach also mentioned former junior lightweight champion O’Shaquie Foster as another possibility if Foster moves up to 135 pounds and pursues a mandatory position.
“I’d love to. And this is the more realistic option, I think personally, because there’s some traction somewhere, but I think that the Shakur fight will be the best fight,” Roach said. “I definitely do. I believe that’s going to be an excellent display of skill and an exciting chess match. If people want to classify it as boring, trust me, I won’t let it be.”
“I think that’s going to be squaring off for who’s the best at 135,” Roach said. “I think I’m the best fighter in the world and I just like to prove it. That’s all.”
First, Roach must get through Zepeda. The unbeaten Mexican’s relentless pressure and high punch output leave little margin for error. Any conversation about that potential matchup only carries weight if Roach comes out on top.
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Last Updated on 2026/07/28 at 2:42 AM
