Shakur Stevenson has predicted Lamont Roach will comfortably defeat William Zepeda to claim the vacant WBC lightweight world title. The former champion, who vacated the belt after moving up in weight, believes Roach has the tools to dominate the contest on August 1 in Las Vegas.
Stevenson’s assessment carries significant weight, as he is the only fighter to have defeated Zepeda. He outboxed the relentless pressure fighter to earn a unanimous decision in July 2025. Having shared the ring with Zepeda, Stevenson offered a clear prediction for the upcoming title bout on social media. He stated: “I got Roach over Zepeda ngl and I lowkey got it BTA”. The final acronym, “BTA,” is shorthand for a dominant victory, suggesting Stevenson expects a one-sided affair rather than a narrow decision.
This fight presents a major opportunity for both contenders. After Stevenson defeated Teofimo Lopez in a fourth weight class, his vacated 135-pound title created an opening for the division’s top challengers. The tactical blueprint to beat Zepeda was established by Stevenson, who used superior footwork and precise counter-punching to nullify Zepeda’s constant forward pressure. Roach possesses a similar technical skill set, though he often engages more frequently and maintains a higher pace than Stevenson.
The central question is whether Roach can effectively manage the distance and avoid being drawn into prolonged exchanges on the ropes, where Zepeda thrives. If he can control the ring and follow Stevenson’s strategy, he has a clear path to victory. Roach enters the fight with his own momentum, having fought a draw with Isaac Cruz and having a strong claim to a win in a controversial 2025 bout against Gervonta Davis. For Zepeda, this is a chance at redemption and his first world title, while for Roach, it is an opportunity to finally secure a championship that many believe he has already earned.
