Tim Bradley believes William Zepeda has taken over as the top fighter at lightweight following his 12-round unanimous decision victory over Lamont Roach on August 1 in Las Vegas.
With Gervonta Davis inactive and Shakur Stevenson competing at light welterweight, Bradley rates Zepeda (34-1, 27 KOs) above the remaining fighters at 135 pounds.
“I feel like Zepeda is the number one guy right now at 135 pounds. You take Tank off the table, you take Shakur up off the table, I think he’s the number one guy right now in the division, followed by, of course, Abdullah Mason right behind him, and then I got to go with Andy Cruz and, you know, Sam Noakes,” Bradley said on his YouTube channel.
Zepeda captured the vacant WBC lightweight title against Roach, winning by scores of 117-111 twice and 118-110. His work rate played a major role, with Zepeda throwing 884 punches and landing 218 compared with 153 connects for Roach.
Bradley’s selection of Abdullah Mason at No. 2 requires some projection. The 22-year-old has yet to face the caliber of opposition Zepeda has encountered, although his punching power has quickly made him one of the division’s most dangerous young fighters.
Andy Cruz has already received his test against championship-level opposition. The Cuban lost a decision to Raymond Muratalla earlier this year, then considered dropping to super featherweight before turning his attention back to the IBF lightweight rankings.
Sam Noakes completes Bradley’s top four. The British fighter meets former WBO champion Denys Berinchyk on August 29. A strong performance would give Bradley more evidence for placing him among the leading lightweights.
Zepeda has the WBC belt and the strongest recent win of Bradley’s four selections. The bigger question is how long he remains No. 1 if Mason, Cruz or Noakes produces a better win.
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Last Updated on 2026/08/08 at 2:07 PM
