William Zepeda rises to top of lightweight division after WBC title win

Following his unanimous decision victory over Lamont Roach to claim the vacant WBC lightweight title, William Zepeda has been identified by analysts as the top fighter in the 135-pound division. In the Las Vegas bout, Zepeda demonstrated high work rates, landing 218 punches compared to Roach's 153.

Boxing expert Tim Bradley rated Zepeda as the number one lightweight, noting that with Gervonta Davis inactive and Shakur Stevenson competing at a higher weight, Zepeda holds the premier position. Bradley placed Abdullah Mason as the second-ranked fighter, followed by Andy Cruz and Sam Noakes.

Terence Crawford also commented on Zepeda's performance, praising his footwork, angles, and counterpunching ability. Crawford suggested a potential matchup between Zepeda and Emanuel Navarrete, describing such a fight between the two Mexican volume punchers as a "bloodbath waiting to happen."