Zepeda dominates Roach Jr. to capture vacant WBC lightweight belt

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

William Zepeda was a man on a mission as he overwhelmed Lamont Roach Jr. to capture the vacant World Boxing Council lightweight belt at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas on Aug. 2, 2026.

Despite entering the bout after a one-year layoff, the Mexican pugilist was all gas, no brakes, clearly outworking Roach Jr. to earn a unanimous decision, 117-111, 117-111 and 118-110.

Known as a pressure fighter, Zepeda surprised Roach Jr. and his camp with a brand-new arsenal, mixing his front-foot offense with angle changes and quick footwork to set up his jab.

Zepeda needed no warm-up as the former interim lightweight champion unleashed a barrage of haymakers that tagged Roach Jr. as early as the second round.

Stunned by Zepeda’s unpredictable ring movement, Roach Jr. was forced to remain in the middle and wait for openings, but the newly crowned WBC champion circled the ring and patiently reset his attacks.

As the rounds progressed, Zepeda’s one-sided showing continued as he targeted Roach Jr.’s body, switched upstairs and pinned him against the ropes for a masterful sequence.

Roach Jr. desperately needed a knockout to win as the ninth round approached, but his wild overhand swings failed to connect, as did a snappy left hook intended to catch Zepeda off guard.

Having matured and gained valuable experience since losing to world champion Shakur Stevenson last year, Zepeda wisely avoided careless exchanges in the championship rounds and held his ground by increasing his punch volume.

According to the punch statistics, Zepeda threw 884 punches and outlanded Roach Jr. 218-153, including 99 successful jabs.

With the much-needed victory, Zepeda avoided back-to-back professional losses and improved to 34 wins, 27 knockouts and one loss, while Roach Jr. dropped to 25 wins, 10 knockouts and two losses.