Which brings us to Lamont’s opponent this Saturday. William Zepeda is an aggressive boxer with a high punch rate. William’s only loss came last summer to top 10 pound-for-pound boxer Shakur Stevenson. Zepeda’s best wins came over Tevin Farmer via split decision and majority decision. Zepeda didn’t look all that great versus Farmer as he did in bouts with Giovanni Cabrera, Maxi Hughes, and Joseph Diaz. Has William hit his ceiling, or will style favor him this weekend?

Lamont is best fighting in the midrange, which highlights his ability to counter with both hands. Roach uses foot and hand faints very well and is a fairly skilled boxer. The Washington, DC native isn’t as effective fighting on the outside. His two bad habits are walking in straight lines on the back foot and getting into too many exchanges. If he can keep the action in the middle of the ring, stay off the ropes, and limit exchanges, Roach will get his hand raised in victory.

William should use his jab to establish his offense, but not to the point of overusing it because Roach will counter it. Zepeda has the advantage on the inside, and even Shakur Stevenson talked about how he was stuck on the ropes more than he wanted to be in the first half of their bout. Zepeda must follow up after he lands to close the distance gap. Williams’ bad habit is reaching with his punches, especially his left hand, and defense.

Distance is the most important item in this 50-50 affair. Pitbull Cruz was able to get through with his jab, right hands, and left hooks to the body and head. Zepeda has a much longer reach than the short-armed Cruz. He holds a slight reach of 69 ½ to 68 inches over Roach. This boxing podcaster thinks Roach will start fast by jabbing, moving laterally, and landing lead or counter pot shots. As this fight wears on, look for William Zepeda to work his way inside, landing the heavier shots to the head and body. Once Zepeda gains control, it will be difficult for Roach to take it all the way back. This boxing fan loves when we can make arguments for both sides in a fight that will feature two-way traffic from the opening bell.

The betting books have Zepeda as a live dog sitting around +114 to +123. Roach is the favorite around –131 to –162. Roach by decision is +110 and by stoppage+600. Zepeda by decision is +180 and by stoppage +500. My best bets are +180 Zepeda by decision and Zepeda +123 money line. If you think Roach will win +110 by decision, it has great value.

My Official Prediction is William Zepeda by decision

PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rope-a-dope-radio-podcast/id1794655742?i=1000779203999

Side Note: Other Bouts This Weekend: Muratalla vs Conceicao, Curiel vs Randall, Conwell vs Kroll on the TNT/DAZN undercard, and O’Leary vs Chamberlain on DAZN.
My Best Bets: Muratalla –135 decision, Curiel –155 decision, Conwell –105 decision, and Chamberlain +198 money line.

Written by Chris Carlson, Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio