William Zepeda will continue his quest to win a world title when he challenges Lamont Roach Jr. for the vacant WBC World Lightweight title in Las Vegas on Sunday.
The Mexican has only ever held a WBC interim title, but another trip to the "fight capital of the world" gives him the opportunity to secure world honours for the first time.
Roach Jr. is a former WBA super featherweight world champion and due to their different tactical approaches, a fascinating fight should be expected on Sunday.
Lamont Roach Jr. v William Zepeda Tips Preview
Sunday's showdown in Nevada is the perfect clash of styles.
In Roach Jr., you have the slick boxer who has perfected his craft as an amateur. In the other corner, you have an aggressive front-foot fighter in Zepeda.
Both men have enjoyed plenty of success over the years and there has been plenty of respect between the two men before this contest.
Roach Jr. has talked up his heart and courage, but he is also confident Zepeda will display plenty of that in Las Vegas.
Zepeda has described Roach Jr. as a "monster" and he expects a war in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Roach Jr. was a decorated amateur and he won the 2013 Golden Gloves title in Salt Lake City. He signed with Golden Boy Promotions the following year and raced to a record of 19 wins and one draw.
In 2019, the 30-year-old challenged Jamel Herring for the WBO super lightweight crown. Roach Jr. struggled with Herring's height and reach advantage and lost via a unanimous decision.
He responded by recording six successive wins before being held to the second draw of his career by Gervonta Davis in New York in March 2025. Nine months later, he was then forced to settle for another draw on his record after a battle with Isaac Cruz.
Successive draws are not ideal heading into a world title showdown, but while Roach Jr. is unbeaten in eight, Zepeda comes into the contest on the back of his first defeat.
Zepeda turned professional in November 2015 and raced to 33-0 before March 2025. He recorded impressive victories over the likes of Rene Alvarado, Joseph Diaz, Mercito Gesta, and Maxi Hughes before beating Tevin Farmer in successive bouts.
World champion Shakur Stevenson handed Zepeda his first defeat in July 2025 and after 12 months out of the ring, the Mexican is back for another crack at world title glory.
Lamont Roach Jr. v William Zepeda Tale of the Tape
Lamont Roach Jr. | William Zepeda | |
Record: | 25-1-3 | 33-1 |
Age: | 30 | 27 |
Birthplace: | Washington, USA | San Mateo Atenco, Mexico |
Height: | 5' 7" | 5' 9" |
Stance: | Orthodox | Southpaw |
Last Fight: | Draw Isaac Cruz (December 2025) | Lost (UD) Shakur Stevenson (July 2025) |
KO%: | 40.0 | 81.82 |
Alias: | The Reaper | Camaron |
Lamont Roach Jr. v William Zepeda Top Tips
William Zepeda to win the fight @ 1/1
William Zepeda to win by decision or technical decision @ 2/1
Roach Jr. has already done more than most as a professional, but his last few performances have cast doubt on how good he actually is.
His skill set is hard to ignore. His footwork is superb and he can box brilliantly on the back foot and pick his shots with precision.
The issue is: for how long? Roach Jr. has sometimes cruised through fights and expected an easy night at the office, only to get dragged into a close bout on the scorecards.
Zepeda is an excellent inside fighter, and if Roach Jr. tires at any point, he will be smothered instantly by the Mexican.
"Camaron" has a height and reach advantage over his opponent and that could be crucial, especially if Roach Jr. fails to mix up his head movement.
While Cruz slowed down against Roach Jr., which allowed him back into the bout, Zepeda has the better engine and while he will need to take a few counter punches, he should be able to secure his first world title after going to the scorecards.
All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
