Roach smiled when asked what came to mind as the championship belt sat on the stage during Thursday’s final media event.

“Can’t wait to cuddle with it. The first night I get it. Simple as that.”

Facing Zepeda required little hesitation. Roach described him as one of the division’s top fighters and welcomed the opportunity to compete for the vacant WBC championship.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to fight one of the best fighters in the weight class for so long,” said Roach. “Zepeda has been the number one contender in a few sanctioning bodies, and that’s something we paid attention to. Once the opportunity came to fight for the WBC world championship, of course I said yes.”

Roach’s confidence never wavered. He closed the press conference by thanking his team before delivering one final prediction.

“God works in the dark. God works all the time. He’s always going to work when you work. I put my work in,” said Roach. “So I know that 100% for a fact, faithfully, that that WBC championship is coming home with me.”

His confidence also earned support from former WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson, who posted on X several hours earlier: “Bet some good money on Lamont lol.”

Shakur’s prediction comes with context. He has publicly expressed interest in fighting Roach if a matchup with Devin Haney falls through, giving him reason to watch Saturday’s result closely. Roach, however, does not need anyone else to convince him. He’s already picturing the WBC belt coming home with him.