Shakur Stevenson has backed Lamont Roach Jr. to defeat William Zepeda when they meet for the vacant WBC lightweight title on 1 August. The prediction is notable given Zepeda’s reputation and his past performance against Stevenson himself.
In a social media post, Stevenson stated his position clearly. He wrote: “I got Roach over Zepeda ngl and I lowkey got it BTA”. His confidence in Roach comes from a unique perspective, as Stevenson won a unanimous decision over Zepeda last year in a contest many observers felt was highly competitive. Zepeda, a relentless pressure fighter, found success with a sustained body attack throughout the bout, and his performance underlined his credentials at the elite level.
Roach’s recent record presents a complex picture for this matchup. He enters the fight following back-to-back draws against Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz. In both contests, and particularly in his 2019 loss to Jamel Herring, Roach has shown a tendency to box off the back foot when faced with consistent forward pressure. This approach could prove dangerous against Zepeda, who is known for his high-volume offence and commitment to body work from the opening round. Giving ground to Zepeda allows him to dictate the terms of the fight and score with effective aggression.
Stevenson’s endorsement also aligns with his own potential future plans in the lightweight division. He has publicly expressed more interest in a fight with Roach than with other rising contenders such as Abdullah Mason, Floyd Schofield Jr. or Raymond Muratalla. While Roach is a skilled technician, he is not considered the biggest puncher in the division. Stevenson’s prediction, therefore, raises questions about whether it is based on a tactical assessment, a preferred future matchup, or a combination of factors.
