Hometown Hero Roach Jr. Primed for World Title Defense in Washington D.C.
On June 28, WBA junior lightweight titleholder Lamont Roach Jr. will make his first world title defense in his hometown of Washington D.C. The 24-year-old boxer impressed in his most recent outing, capturing the title from Hector Luis Garcia, and now sets his sights on undefeated Northern Irishman Feargal McCrory (16-0, 8 KOs).
“Becoming world champion was the greatest feeling in my life,” Roach said. “I’ve been waiting for that for a long time, since I was a kid, so fulfilling a dream come true was amazing. Beating Hector Garcia was the culmination of hard work paying off. That victory was a testament to my skills. But I want to put the division on notice against McCrory.”
Roach (24-1-1, 9 KOs) has previously fought in his hometown only twice, not since an eight-round decision over Jesus Lule in 2016. However, the young champion is excited about putting on a show for his local following at Washington’s ESA Arena.
“I can’t wait to fight in D.C.,” he said. “We’ve been waiting for this for years, D.C. has been waiting for this. I’m the first world champion since Lamont Peterson to fight at home and on the big stage, so it’s going to be special. I’m going to show I’m on a different level than McCrory, and I’m training as if I’m fighting a unification and that I’m on a level to unify the division.”
Lamont Roach Sr., head of NoXcuse Promotions, which will put on the June 28 card, envisions even bigger things in the offing for his son.
“This is only the beginning, and we are looking forward to Lamont Roach Jr. showcasing his skills and showing the world that he is the best super featherweight in the division.”
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