Lamont Roach Tells William Zepeda: Don’t Change Your Style

Roach says Zepeda’s relentless pressure made him a lightweight contender but believes abandoning that identity would play into his hands on August 1.

Lamont Roach Jr. believes William Zepeda’s relentless pressure has made him one of the lightweight division’s toughest opponents, but says changing that approach would be a mistake. Roach expects to capitalize on the openings created by Zepeda’s trademark style when they meet for the vacant WBC lightweight title on August 1.

Roach respects what Zepeda brings to the ring, describing the unbeaten Mexican as one of the sport’s most consistent pressure fighters. That consistency, however, is exactly why he believes his opponent should resist the temptation to make major adjustments.

“He’s very consistent with his style. He doesn’t really change it up. It’s worked for him his whole career. He overwhelms a lot of guys, and he does it very well. He’s always on the attack. He’s fierce,” Roach said to Golden Boy Boxing.

“He can’t afford to steer off his game plan with me. I’ll try to capitalize as much as I can with the opportunities that I see.”

The matchup presents an intriguing clash of styles. Zepeda has overwhelmed opponents with nonstop volume and pressure throughout his career, while Roach has built his reputation on timing, accuracy and making opponents pay for their mistakes. Rather than hoping Zepeda boxes differently, Roach wants him to stay true to the aggressive approach that earned him this title opportunity.

Zepeda insisted he has learned from the lone defeat of his career against Shakur and will be better prepared for Roach’s counters.

“I know I can’t lose my focus in a fight with him. I know he’s always waiting to land his best punches,” Zepeda said. “But I think the Camarón he’s been watching in previous fights is coming back more aggressive and more intelligent.”

Despite the tactical discussion, the faceoff remained respectful from start to finish. Neither fighter resorted to trash talk, preferring to let their confidence come through in their analysis of the matchup. Roach believes discipline will determine who leaves Las Vegas with the vacant WBC lightweight title, while Zepeda is convinced he’ll show a different version of himself when they finally meet in the ring.

Share on Facebook

Post on X