The World Boxing Council has unveiled a custom championship belt for the winner of Saturday’s vacant lightweight title bout between William Zepeda and Lamont Roach Jr. in Las Vegas, adding a unique incentive to the championship contest.
The sanctioning body offered fans a closer look at the elaborate award created specifically for the bout. Photos released by the organization reveal a striking design featuring a prominent eye motif surrounded by sparkling stones, gold accents, and custom side plates reserved for the newly crowned lightweight champion.
Promoting the unveiling on social media, the WBC stated: ““A masterpiece awaits,”” The organization added: ““The winner of Zepeda vs. Roach will receive a unique WBC championship belt, handcrafted by Maestros Joyeros. A true symbol of excellence, created for a historic champion.””
Both contenders enter the Las Vegas ring seeking to re-establish themselves at the elite level. Zepeda has been out of the ring since his unanimous decision loss to Shakur Stevenson in July 2025. The Mexican southpaw pushed Stevenson over 12 competitive rounds before falling short on the judges’ scorecards, and he now seeks a decisive return.
Roach has something to prove as well.
The former WBA super featherweight champion has not recorded a victory since June 2024, following consecutive draws against Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz. His recent outing against Cruz raised questions among observers regarding his work rate and punch power when competing against top lightweight opposition.
Despite his recent run without a win, Roach has publicly targeted a future fight against Stevenson, insisting that a bout with the former WBC champion would be straightforward to arrange. Winning this weekend is essential if he is to secure that opportunity.
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya has predicted a smarter approach from Zepeda in this matchup, while Roach has encouraged his opponent not to alter his aggressive style. With the vacant WBC lightweight belt on the line, only one fighter will leave Las Vegas with the victory and the custom belt commissioned for the occasion.
