Lamont Roach Can’t Leave Zepeda Fight To The Judges, Says Andre Dirrell

The former world champion believes Roach can outbox Zepeda but says he must produce decisive rounds instead of relying on the judges

Andre Dirrell believes Lamont Roach has the skill to defeat William Zepeda on August 1, but says the former world champion cannot afford another close decision. Dirrell expects Roach’s counterpunching to create opportunities, provided he does enough work to remove any doubt on the scorecards.

“You can’t trust the judges,” Dirrell said to Fighthype. “If it’s possible, don’t leave it in the judge’s hands. Any close fight Lamont has, we see draws, right? Or a potential loss. I just feel like he’s too calm.”

Dirrell’s comments come after Roach fought to back-to-back majority draws against Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz. Rather than questioning the judging itself, he argued that Roach’s measured style often creates rounds that are open to interpretation.

“He really needs to turn up the heat,” Dirrell said. “He doesn’t fight with a sense of urgency when he needs to fight with a sense of urgency. It’s good that you’ve got such a calm mind… but when lightning strikes, you’ve got to go faster. You’ve got to produce more.”

Dirrell believes that approach becomes even more important against Zepeda, whose relentless pressure is built around constant activity.

“Zepeda is going to come, and he’s going to punch, punch, and punch,” Dirrell said. “He’s going to be close enough to do it.”

Although Dirrell wants Roach to be more decisive offensively, he still believes the former world champion has the skills to trouble Zepeda. He described Roach as an excellent counterpuncher with the ability to read predictable attacks and capitalize on mistakes.

“Lamont is going to be able to read that,” Dirrell said. “That’s the advantage he has in that fight.”

The key, according to Dirrell, isn’t changing Roach’s style. It’s making sure his work is decisive enough that the judges aren’t left with another difficult scorecard.

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