Dan Rafael reported that the two sides are in negotiations, although a location has not yet been finalized.
The bout would fill the vacancy at 135 pounds following recent movement at the top of the division, positioning Zepeda and Roach Jr for a direct shot at a full world title rather than an interim step.
Zepeda has built his position through consistent activity and pressure-based performances, while Roach Jr enters the talks after back-to-back 12-round draws against Isaac Cruz and Gervonta Davis.
While the two sides have agreed to the match in principle, they are now working through the logistical details. The winner of this bout is expected to face Jadier Herrera, who currently holds the WBC interim title, in a mandatory consolidation match later this year.
Industry insiders suggest the WBC favored Zepeda vs. Roach because it generates higher sanctioning fees and more international interest than a fight involving the relatively unknown, though dangerous, WBC interim champion Jadier Herrera.
Earlier this year, the WBC upgraded other interim champions to full status immediately upon a vacancy. By forcing Herrera to wait, they’ve essentially told him his “world title” is a placeholder.
While his Roach’s stock rose because he looked great against “Tank” Davis and “Pitbull” Cruz, the record books don’t lie. He hasn’t officially won a fight since his 130-pound title defense against Feargal McCrory in mid-2024. Rewarding two draws with a shot at a vacant title in a higher weight class is a move few other sports would allow.
Zepeda’s last outing was a decisive loss to Shakur Stevenson. While he’s the No. 1 contender, the argument that he “earned” this specific vacancy over the guy currently holding a version of the belt is thin.
