WBC Orders Zepeda Vs. Herrera In Step To Reduce Number Of Its Titles

The WBC has ordered its lightweight champion William Zepeda (34-1, 27 KOs) to face the interim titleholder Jadier Herrera (18-0, 16 KOs) in a championship consolidation bout. Both camps have until October 20 to reach an agreement.

Promoter Frank Warren, who represents Herrera, confirmed the order, which would leave the organization with one recognized champion at 135 pounds rather than separate full and interim titleholders. It’s a move to reduce the number of titles in the division, a course of action more sanctioning bodies should do since the number of “so-called” champions are a staggering 75-80 at any given time across 18 weight classes including “regular”, “super”, and “interim” champs.

Zepeda claimed the vacant WBC championship with a victory over Lamont Roach Jr. on August 1, following Shakur Stevenson’s departure from the lightweight division and subsequent removal as champion over unpaid sanctioning fees.

Zepeda’s only professional defeat came against Stevenson by unanimous decision in July 2025. The Mexican subsequently returned to winning ways against Roach to secure his first major world championship.

Herrera, 24, captured the interim championship by stopping Ricardo Nunez on January 10, having been approved to contest the belt following Stevenson’s move to junior welterweight.

The October 20 deadline allows the fighters’ representatives to negotiate terms before the WBC considers the next step in arranging the mandatory contest.