# Zepeda claims vacant WBC lightweight title > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vacant-wbc-lightweight-title-bout > Updated: 2026-08-12T15:28:33.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 8. On August 1, 2026, at The Theater at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas, William “El Camarón” Zepeda defeated Lamont “The Reaper” Roach Jr. by unanimous decision (117-111, 117-111, 118-110) to capture the vacant WBC lightweight world championship. The bout was co-promoted by Golden Boy, Top Rank, ProBox, and TGB, and broadcast via DAZN, TNT, and TruTV. Prior to the fight, promoter Oscar De La Hoya suggested Zepeda would show improved movement and footwork following his previous loss to Shakur Stevenson. Roach, entering with a 25-1-3 record, had expressed confidence in testing Zepeda’s chin. During the match, Zepeda maintained a high work rate, landing 218 punches compared to Roach's 153. Following the victory, boxing analyst Tim Bradley identified Zepeda as the top fighter in the 135-pound division, noting the inactivity of Gervonta Davis and Stevenson's move to a higher weight class. Terence Crawford also praised Zepeda’s footwork and angles, suggesting a potential high-stakes matchup against Emanuel Navarrete, describing such a fight as a “bloodbath waiting to happen.” Zepeda, whose record improved to 34-1 with 27 knockouts, was greeted by fans at Mexico City International Airport and later held a press conference in Metepec, State of Mexico. He expressed his intention to pursue unification bouts to become an undisputed champion, noting the significance of returning an absolute lightweight world championship to Mexico after a 14-year hiatus. The event's undercard also saw IBF lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla retain his title with a unanimous decision victory over Robson Conceição. ## Claims - Lamont Roach Jr will fight William Zepeda on August 1, 2026 at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas for the vacant WBC lightweight title. (single source) - The bout will be broadcast live on TNT, truTV, and worldwide on DAZN. (single source) - The fight is co‑promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, TGB Promotions, and ProBox Promotions. (single source) - Lamont Roach Jr’s record is 25‑1‑3 with 10 knockouts. (single source) - William Zepeda’s record is 33‑1 with 27 knockouts. (single source) - Oscar De La Hoya expects Zepeda to show a more complete fighting style after his loss to Shakur Stevenson. (single source) - Oscar De La Hoya believes Roach beat Gervonta Davis and Isaac Cruz despite official draws. (single source) - Roach warned Zepeda that he will “take him to dinner after I beat him.” (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-12: William Zepeda celebrates WBC lightweight world title Mexican boxer William ‘Camarón’ Zepeda celebrated winning the WBC lightweight world title after defeating Lamont Roach Jr. in Las Vegas, expressing goals to become an undisputed champion. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/william-zepeda-celebrates-wbc-lightweight-world-title ### 2026-08-08: William Zepeda rises to top of lightweight division after WBC title win After winning the vacant WBC lightweight title against Lamont Roach, William Zepeda is being ranked as the division's top fighter by analysts including Tim Bradley and Terence Crawford. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/william-zepeda-rises-to-top-of-lightweight-division-after-wbc-title-win ### 2026-08-04: Mexican boxer William Zepeda wins WBC lightweight title William Zepeda won the vacant WBC lightweight title in Las Vegas, beating Lamont Roach Jr. by unanimous decision and was welcomed at Mexico City Airport, raising his record to 34‑1. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexican-boxer-william-zepeda-wins-wbc-lightweight-title ### 2026-07-31: William Zepeda Captures Vacant WBC Lightweight Title in Las Vegas William Zepeda won the vacant WBC lightweight title, beating Lamont Roach Jr. in Las Vegas; Raymond Muratalla also retained his IBF lightweight belt. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/william-zepeda-captures-vacant-wbc-lightweight-title-in-las-vegas ### 2026-07-31: Lamont Roach Jr. vs William Zepeda Set for Vacant WBC Lightweight Title Lamont Roach Jr. faces William Zepeda for the vacant WBC lightweight title in Las Vegas on Aug 1, 2026; Roach is 25‑1‑3, Zepeda 33‑1, broadcast on DAZN, TNT, TruTV. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lamont-roach-jr-and-william-zepeda-to-contest-vacant-wbc-lightweight-title-on-aug-1 ### 2026-07-28: Lamont Roach Jr and William Zepeda meet for vacant WBC lightweight title in Las Vegas Lamont Roach Jr faces William Zepeda on Aug 1 in Las Vegas for the vacant WBC lightweight title; the bout is co‑promoted by Golden Boy and broadcast on TNT, truTV and DAZN. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lamont-roach-jr-and-william-zepeda-to-clash-for-vacant-wbc-lightweight-title-in-las-vegas ### 2026-07-26: Lamont Roach and William Zepeda set for vacant WBC lightweight title bout in Las Vegas Lamont Roach vs. William Zepeda will fight for the vacant WBC lightweight title in Las Vegas on Aug 1 2026; the card airs live on DAZN and TNT. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lamont-roach-and-william-zepeda-set-for-vacant-wbc-lightweight-title-bout-in-las-vegas ### 2026-07-14: Lamont Roach urged to avoid judges in WBC lightweight title bout Andre Dirrell cautions Lamont Roach to be more aggressive and not leave the August 1 WBC lightweight title fight against William Zepeda to the judges, citing recent draws. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lamont-roach-urged-to-avoid-judges-in-wbc-lightweight-title-bout --- Cite as: Zepeda claims vacant WBC lightweight title. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vacant-wbc-lightweight-title-bout