William Zepeda is the top lightweight in boxing, at least in the view of former two-division world champion Tim Bradley. Following Zepeda’s unanimous decision victory over Lamont Roach, Bradley ranked the WBC champion No. 1 at 135 pounds ahead of every other active contender.
Gervonta Davis was left out of Bradley’s rankings because of his inactivity, while Shakur Stevenson no longer qualified after moving to 140 pounds. That leaves Zepeda at No. 1, followed by Abdullah Mason, Andy Cruz and Sam Noakes.
“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’s relentless pressure was the key difference against Roach in Bradley’s view. He argued that returning to face an orthodox opponent after several bouts against southpaws allowed the WBC champion to fight in a style that suited him far better. Roach also drew criticism for his footwork, with Bradley saying he stayed in front of Zepeda too often instead of creating angles to disrupt the constant pressure.
Looking ahead, Mason is the opponent Bradley wants to see challenge Zepeda next. He questioned if Top Rank is willing to match its young champion with a pressure fighter who throws as many punches as the WBC champion.
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Last Updated on 2026/08/06 at 1:27 AM
