Herrera (18-0, 16 KOs) captured the WBC interim lightweight title with an eighth-round knockout of Ricardo Núñez on January 10. This legal obligation complicates any immediate unification plans Roach can have for late 2026.
Roach continues to prioritize a high-payout clash with Shakur Stevenson, though the matchup would not be a light-weight unification.
“Shakur Stevenson is top-of-the-line fighters on the earth. I’d like to get within the ring with Shakur. That may be top-of-the-line fights in boxing,” Roach said to Fighthype.
Following his January victory over Lopez, Stevenson is the reigning WBO junior welterweight champion. A fight with Roach would require “The Reaper” to maneuver up in weight or Stevenson to desert his 140-pound titles.
Roach also identified WBO lightweight champion Abdullah Mason as an individual of interest.
“I like all of the champions at 135. I like Abdul Mason. He’s an amazing young champion. I believe he beats Joe Cordina, and we are able to see how that works,” said Roach.
Mason (20-0) is currently preparing for his own first title defense against former champion Joe Cordina, scheduled for July 4 in Cleveland. This timeline further narrows the window for a possible unification should Roach get past Zepeda.
Perhaps probably the most curious name on Roach’s list is Subriel Matias. While Roach noted that “Matias is a very good fighter too,” the Puerto Rican is currently with no title. Matias suffered a significant setback on January 10, 2026, when he was stopped in five rounds by Dalton Smith on the Barclays Center.
Notably, Roach has not mentioned the present WBA 140-lb champion, Gary Antuanne Russell. Russell successfully defended his title with a unanimous decision victory over Andy Hiraoka on February 21, representing a significantly more dangerous, but title-laden, path at junior welterweight.
Despite the looming fight against William Zepeda, who stays a statistical leader in punch volume, Roach made it clear he expects to secure the green-and-gold belt.
“That’s not only a rumor. It’s been officially mandated by the WBC, and we’re going to fight for the vacant title,” said Roach. I’m going to return out victorious. I’m just blessed to be within the position that I’m. I get to showcase my skills again, and we’ll come out victorious, be champ, and put us where we’re purported to be. One step closer to the changing of the guard.”
Roach has not recorded a win since 2024, but his stock stays high after consecutive majority draws against Gervonta Davis in March 2025 and Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in December 2025.