WBC Approves Title Fight for Lightweight Championship
The World Boxing Council (WBC) has given the green light for William Zepeda and Lamont Roach to compete for the recently vacated WBC lightweight title. This decision comes after both fighters expressed their desire to have the championship recognized in their upcoming bout, marking a significant step toward crowning a new champion in the 135-pound division.
Current Status of the Lightweight Championship
As of March 2026, the lightweight championship is officially unclaimed, with Zepeda and Roach holding the top two rankings respectively. However, their fight presents an interesting scenario due to the presence of the interim champion, Jadier Herrera. The WBC updated its rankings, highlighting the last mandatory title defense conducted by Shakur Stevenson on July 12, 2025, which vacated the championship following Stevenson’s subsequent move to the WBO super lightweight title.
Interim Champion’s Position
Herrera, who holds the interim title, currently finds himself in a complex situation. He earned this title on January 10, 2026, after defeating Ricardo Nunez in the eighth round at the Rudolf Weber-Arena in Oberhausen, bringing his record to an impressive 18 wins, 16 of which were by knockout. Although Herrera is recognized as the interim champion, he is absent from the current contender rankings, highlighting the WBC’s recent changes.
Future Implications for the Lightweight Division
According to the regulations of the WBC, interim champions are generally positioned to face the reigning champion once one is established in the division. Thus, while the fight between Zepeda and Roach will determine the new champion, it simultaneously sets the stage for Herrera to pursue a title shot against the victor.
With the approval of Zepeda and Roach’s match, the lightweight division is on the verge of appointing a new titleholder. Once that champion is crowned, Herrera will remain poised and ready for his opportunity to compete for the championship that will soon have an official owner.
