Zepeda Vs. Roach Ordered For Vacant WBC Lightweight Belt

Following the WBC’s decision to strip Shakur Stevenson of his lightweight title last month, the sanctioning body has ordered a showdown for the vacant belt between William Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs) and Lamont Roach (25-1-1).

The news signals a shift in the division after Stevenson officially moved up to junior welterweight, beating Teofimo Lopez in January. For Zepeda, this bout represents the opportunity to finally secure a full world title. Despite a loss to Shakur Stevenson in July 2025, Zepeda was elevated to the #1 spot in the WBC rankings once Shakur moved up. 

Meanwhile, Roach is coming off two consecutive majority draws. He fought to a draw with Gervonta Davis in May 2025, followed by a draw against Isaac Cruz last December. And yet, the WBC Interim Lightweight Champion Ricardo Núñez appears to have been bypassed even though he would typically have been elevated or fight for the vacant full title.