The WBC lightweight championship became available after Shakur Stevenson moved up to 140 kilograms to defeat Teofimo Lopez on January 31, 2026. Although the WBC ordered Roach and Zepeda to compete for the belt, the legal body issued a critical decision on April 3: the winner must make his first defense against Jadier Herrera.
Herrera (18-0, 16 KOs) captured the WBC interim lightweight title by knocking out Ricardo Núñez in the eighth round on January 10. This legal obligation covers any immediate unification plans Roach may have in late 2026.
Roach continues to prioritize a high-paying clash with Shakur Stevenson, although the matchup will no longer be an easy matchup.
“Shakur Stevenson is one of the best fighters in the world. I would love to get in the ring with Shakur. That would be one of the best fights in boxing,” Roach told Fighthype.
After his victory over Lopez in January, Stevenson is the WBO junior welterweight champion. The fight with Roach will require “The Reaper” to move up in weight or Stevenson to drop his 140-pound title.
Roach also identified WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason as a possible candidate.
“I like all the champions at 135. I like Abdul Mason. He's a very good young champion. I think he beats Joe Cordina, and we'll see how that works out,” Roach said.
Mason (20-0) is currently preparing for his first title defense against former champion Joe Cordina, scheduled for July 4 in Cleveland. This timeline further narrows the window for a potential merger if Roach passes on Zepeda.
Perhaps the most curious name on Roach's list is Subriel Matias. While Roach noted that “Matias is a good player as well,” the Puerto Rican is currently without a title. Matias suffered a major setback on January 10, 2026, when he was stopped in five rounds by Dalton Smith at the Barclays Center.
Notably, Roach did not mention the current WBA 140-lb champion, Gary Antoine Russell. Russell successfully defended his title with a unanimous decision victory over Andy Hiraoka on February 21, representing a high-risk, yet title-laden, path to the junior welterweight division.
Despite the highly-anticipated fight against William Zepeda, who has become the leader in terms of punch volume, Roach has made it clear that he expects to defend the green and gold belt.
“That's not just a rumor, it's officially approved by the WBC, and we're going to fight for the vacant title,” said Roach. I will come out victorious. I'm just blessed to be in the position I'm in. I show my skills again, and we will come out victorious, be champions, and put us where we should be. One step closer to the changing of the guard.”
Roach hasn't recorded a win since 2024, but his stock remains high after back-to-back wins against Gervonta Davis in March 2025 and Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in December 2025.
