Lamont Roach: The Inevitable, Future WBA Lightweight Champion—A Star on the Rise

On March 1, 2025, Lamont Roach Jr. WBA Junior lightweight Champion, stepped into the ring at Barclays Center with the kind of poise and skill that made one thing crystal clear—he’s here to stay. Though the official scorecards ruled his fight against Gervonta “Tank” Davis a draw, let’s not sugarcoat reality: this wasn’t a win for Roach, and it certainly wasn’t a draw. Tank took that fight clean. But what’s undeniable is that Roach put on a performance that solidified his status as a rising star coming for the lightweight division.

A Fighter’s Journey

From Super Featherweight to Lightweight Contender

Lamont Roach Jr. has built an impressive career, with a professional record of 25 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, including 10 knockouts. His only loss came in 2019 when he faced Jamel Herring for the WBO super featherweight championship. That setback, however, did not define him. Instead, Roach used it as fuel for his evolution, putting together a winning streak that led him to his first world title.

In November 2023, he reached a major milestone by defeating Hector Luis Garcia via split decision to become the WBA super featherweight champion. This victory established him as one of the standout boxers in the division. However, for his fight against Gervonta Davis, Roach moved up to the lightweight category (135 pounds), stepping into new territory against one of the most dangerous opponents in the sport. This shift not only represented a physical challenge but also required strategic adjustments—ones that, despite the outcome, proved Roach belongs on this level.

What It Takes to Win the Next One

Roach fought a brilliant fight. His control, calculation, and ability to withstand pressure were all on display, a testament to his ring IQ. But here’s the truth: confidence isn’t just about knowing you belong in the ring—it’s about delivering with conviction. Many of his punches, though technically sound, lacked the full weight of belief behind them. He connected, yes, but the sheer power and intent needed to turn those punches into real damage weren’t always there.

The Science of Technical Combinations

Boxing is an art of precision. Fighters train relentlessly to land clean, accurate punches, often in well-rehearsed combinations designed to break through an opponent’s defense. These sequences—like a jab setting up a right cross or a body shot leading into an uppercut—are measured, calculated, and strategic. Judges score based on connections, meaning a fighter who lands more punches, even if they lack power, can technically win rounds.

This is where Lamont Roach Jr. excels. His timing, head movement, and ability to land combinations make him a highly technical boxer. Against Davis, his punches connected cleanly at times, and the judges gave him credit for them. But technical skill alone doesn’t always win fights at the championship level—especially against a power puncher like Davis.

The Confidence of a Champion

Beyond landing punches, there’s a psychological and physical weight behind a champion’s strikes. The greatest fighters don’t just aim to land—they aim to hurt, to make their presence felt, and to impose their will. This comes from confidence built through experience, belief in one’s own ability, and an understanding that every punch carries the intent to dominate, not just score points.

Power and Conviction in Every Strike

This is where Roach fell short against Davis. His technical skills were undeniable, but many of his punches lacked the full weight of conviction. He had confidence in his ability to withstand Davis’s shots, which is impressive—but he needed that same confidence when delivering his own punches. The hesitation, even slight, was the difference between scoring points and actually making Tank feel his power.

The Path to Victory: Merging Both Elements

For Roach to level up and secure dominant victories against elite competition, he needs to merge his technical ability with the conviction of a true champion. That means:

• Believing in the damage his punches can cause. Every strike should carry the weight of his championship mindset.

• Maximizing efficiency. Every punch thrown should count—no wasted shots, no light taps just to score.

• Letting go of hesitation. When the opening is there, he has to commit fully to the strike, trusting his instincts and execution.

Roach has all the tools to be a multi-weight world champion. The technical precision is already there—once he adds the unwavering belief in his power and presence, he’ll become even more dangerous in the ring.

To win next time, Roach will need to pop out more offensively. His ability to absorb Davis' pressure was commendable, but to dominate at this level, he must take greater risks and assert his own offensive presence. As a woman and a fan in the bleachers, I can say this—don’t waste anything. Every punch should count, delivered with full power and precision. The key isn’t just landing shots; it’s landing them with the confidence and authority of a champion.

This is not a skill issue—it’s an experience issue. The more Roach fights at this level, the more his confidence will translate into the weight of his strikes. He has already proven that he belongs in the ring with the best. Now, it’s about making sure every punch tells the story of the champion he knows he is.

The Glow-Up Is Coming

There’s something exciting about witnessing the rise of a fighter who has all the makings of greatness. Roach isn’t just another talented boxer—he’s a reigning world champion with the potential to conquer multiple divisions. His journey isn’t about one fight; it’s about the trajectory. And while this moment may not have been his victory, it was his arrival. He walked into that ring as a challenger, and he walked out as a force to be reckoned with.

So, to those doubting his potential—watch this space. The glow-up is inevitable. Lamont Roach Jr. is coming for it all. And when he gets there? It won’t be by chance. It’ll be by destiny.