Lamont Roach is targeting a future fight with Shakur Stevenson but first faces a significant challenge against William Zepeda on August 1. Despite Roach’s optimism, Stevenson’s career trajectory points towards bigger commercial matchups, making the desired bout a long shot for now.
Roach, who is preparing for his WBC lightweight title fight with Zepeda, continues to publicly state his ambition to face Stevenson. He believes the interest is mutual and that promotional barriers are beginning to fall across the sport. “I think it’s very realistic. I think that’s something that both parties want, being quite honest. So, we’ll see,” Roach said.
He points to other major cross-promotional fights as evidence that such a matchup is possible. “Especially, you know, we’ll have a common opponent, and I think that’s the interesting factor. The fact that Ryan and Conor Benn is getting made, that’s a good thing. That’s a push for doors and avenues opening up.”
However, the business of boxing suggests a different path for Stevenson. Promoted by Zuffa Boxing and backed by influential figures like Turki Alalshikh, Stevenson is being linked with the division’s most prominent names, including Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, and Ryan Garcia. A fight against Roach does not generate the same level of fan demand or commercial return as those potential bouts.
Even a victory over Zepeda, which is far from guaranteed, may not be enough to secure the Stevenson fight. Zepeda is known for his relentless pressure and high-volume punching, presenting a difficult style for any opponent. By looking ahead to Stevenson, Roach risks underestimating the immediate threat in front of him.
Should Roach win and become a two-division champion, he would still find himself behind others in the queue. The lightweight division is crowded with talent. Fans and promoters are more likely to push for Stevenson to face rising contenders like Abdullah Mason or established names like ‘Tank’ Davis. Roach has the ambition, but convincing the sport’s key decision-makers that he is the right opponent for Stevenson remains his greatest challenge.
