Ordered Fights: Dalton Smith-Alberto Puello, Lamont Roach Jr-William Zepeda

The World Boxing Council (WBC) has officially ordered two major title fights that could reshape both the lightweight and junior welterweight divisions.

At 135 pounds, the WBC has ordered a fight between Lamont Roach Jr. and William Zepeda for the vacant WBC lightweight title. The belt became available after former champion Shakur Stevenson was stripped earlier this year, opening the door for new contenders to compete for the championship.

Zepeda, known for his relentless pressure and high punch output, enters the matchup as one of the division’s most dangerous volume punchers. Roach, meanwhile, moves up from super featherweight in search of a second world title opportunity. Despite controversy over the WBC bypassing interim champion Jadier Herrera for the fight, Roach and Zepeda now have the chance to battle for full championship status. 

Meanwhile, at 140 pounds, newly crowned WBC junior welterweight champion Dalton Smith has been ordered to make his first defense against mandatory challenger Alberto Puello. The WBC has given both camps a 30-day negotiation period to reach a deal before a purse bid is scheduled.

Smith captured the WBC title earlier this year and quickly emerged as one of the division’s rising champions. Puello, a former titleholder himself, now looks to regain the belt and reclaim his position among the elite at junior welterweight.

If both fights move forward as expected, they could produce two significant title bouts in divisions already packed with talent and contenders.