However, the persistence has transformed Roach to a coming-of-age pound-for-pound talent who has seemingly sent the once imposing Davis hiding from a rematch.
“Just his maturity — those two draws that easily could’ve been wins and made him a three-division champion — think about that,” Roach promoter Tom Brown said.
“He didn’t lose those fights. This guy’s as battle tested as any fighter can be. He’s got confidence now and he’s a dangerous fighter going into the Zepeda fight. This kid will be the WBC lightweight champion on August 1. He can do whatever he wants to do: stand in there and trade, or box.
“I believe this fight is going to be very violent.”
Although he now promotes Zepeda as the Mexican seeks to recover from a July loss to unbeaten four-division champion Shakur Stevenson, De La Hoya said he’s been drawn by Roach’s rise since they parted.
“What excites me about this fight is the hunger, the styles, the discipline,” De La Hoya said at Tuesday’s news conference at his offices.
“There is no shame in their past fights. I thought Lamont Roach won against ‘Tank’ Davis and ‘Pitbull’ Cruz.
“You have two guys so motivated to get into the winner’s circle. I’m going to call it right now: Fight of the year. This is a fight I can’t wait to watch. The hunger from both fighters – coming off the draws and loss, meeting great fighters – gives you an extra motivation. I say that from experience. When you get the call to meet a great fighter, you don’t hesitate because you want to be great. We know talent, know fighters. The fact we helped Lamont Roach to open the doors in his career is a blessing, and I’m very proud.”
Reflecting on his time with Golden Boy, Roach said candidly, “Strictly as a boxer, I was too high on myself. I was just relying on pure talent and what I’d done before [as an amateur champion]. After I lost to Jamel Herring, it hit me that that’s not enough. Everybody at that level is going to be good. I had to work my ass off.
“I had to rededicate myself to the sport, realizing they’re not going to give me anything. I have to go take everything. That’s what led to this run.”
Following the disservice of the arbiters in his past two bouts, Roach said, ”I feel like I can get a fair shake. But I’m not counting on it. I’m relying on my hard work. I’m relying on my skills. I’m relying on my ability to win decisively, to win clean – a landslide or a knockout. That’s my whole disposition.”
He praised Zepeda, also 30, as a formidable foe to gain a second division belt – an accomplishment that distinguishes.
“Zepeda’s a tough customer. I wouldn’t want to fight anyone but someone like the caliber of fighter he is,” Roach said. “I’ve worked my ass off in camp to do everything I can to bring this belt home with me.
“The draws haven’t sat too well with me, but life goes on. When it comes to fighting guys, there’s no one I wouldn’t fight. Obviously, he’s a dangerous fighter. I’m sure nobody’s going to forget this fight. No one.”
