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Lamont Roach Jr.

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Lamont Roach Jr.
Born (1995-08-18) August 18, 1995 (age 29)
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Other namesThe Reaper
Statistics
Weight(s)Super featherweight
Height5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Reach68 in (173 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights27
Wins25
Wins by KO10
Losses1
Draws1
Medal record
Men's Amateur boxing
Representing  United States
Golden Gloves
Gold medal – first place 2013 Salt Lake City Lightweight

Lamont Roach Jr. (born August 18, 1995) is an American professional boxer who has held the WBA super featherweight title since 2023.

Roach was a decorated amateur, winning gold medals at the National Golden Gloves and USA Boxing Youth National Championships in 2013. He made his professional debut the following year, shortly after signing with Golden Boy Promotions, while studying at the University of Maryland. He went undefeated in his first 20 fights (19 wins, 1 draw), collecting three minor belts before he unsuccessfully challenged Jamel Herring for his WBO super featherweight title in 2019.

Early life

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Born in Washington, D.C., Roach was raised in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. When he was nine years old, he accompanied his father and his cousin to No “X” Cuse Boxing Club in Capitol Heights, where he got to hit a punching bag for the first time and learn some of the basics of boxing.[1] He enjoyed it so much that he decided to continue training under his father and his cousin Bernard, and by middle school was in the gym five times a week. Although he had also been playing football throughout his youth, he dropped it to focus on boxing once he reached high school.[1]

As an amateur, his record was 125–15,[2] with two of those losses coming from Gervonta Davis.[3] He won two Junior National Golden Gloves Championships, a national PAL Championship and five Ringside World Championships. In 2013, he was the USA Boxing Youth National Champion and the National Golden Gloves champion, both at 132 pounds (60 kg). He also claimed a bronze medal at the Klitschko Brothers Tournament in Ukraine and was honored with the USA Boxing Outstanding Boxer award for his performances that year.[4]

Professional career

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In March 2014, he signed with Golden Boy Promotions to begin his professional career with his father Lamont Sr. serving as his manager.[1] Roach made his professional debut on April 19, 2014, defeating Victor Galindo by unanimous decision at the D.C. Armory. Just 18 years old at the time, he was still a freshman at the University of Maryland studying mechanical engineering, following in his father's footsteps.[1] Two months later, he defeated Miguel Antonio Rodríguez in Boston when his opponent failed to answer the bell for the second round.[5] In his first televised match he faced Herbert Quartey, cousin of former world champion Ike Quartey, in Philadelphia on January 20, 2015. Roach dominated the more experienced fighter, scoring three knockdowns before the fight was stopped in his favor by the referee in the fourth round, extending his winning streak to six.[6]

On January 28, 2017, he stopped Alejandro Valdez inside of two minutes in Indio, California to capture the vacant WBC Youth Silver super featherweight title and move to 13–0.[7] He dedicated the win to his recently-deceased cousin Jermaine, who had accompanied him to his first boxing session more than a decade earlier.[2] He successfully defended the belt against Jesús Valdez five months later, also in Indio.[8] Just days before his next fight, a non-title bout versus Dominican veteran Luis Hinojosa in October,[9] his cousin and life-long trainer Bernard "Boogaloo" Roach died of a heart attack.[10] With his father taking over as his head coach, he went on to beat Hinojosa with a first-round TKO for his third stoppage victory in four fights.[11] A month later Roach headlined his first professional card when he faced Rey Perez at the MGM National Harbor in Maryland, just 20 minutes from his hometown of Upper Marlboro.[12][13] He defeated the Filipino journeyman by unanimous decision in the 10-round main event of the ESPN Deportes/ESPN2 telecast.[14]

By the beginning of 2018 Roach had a record of 16–0. He was rewarded with an opportunity to challenge for the vacant WBO International super featherweight title, traveling to Puerto Rico to face former world title challenger Orlando Cruz.[15][16] In what was his first fight outside of the continental United States, he fought Cruz to a controversial split draw in the main event of a Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN card.[17][18] It was a close fight until the ninth round, when Roach hit the 36-year-old with a left hook to the head that made him stagger and fall, seemingly a knockdown.[17] However, it was ruled a slip by Puerto Rican referee Luis Pabon, a crucial point that would have given him the victory.[19] Three months later he defeated Deivis Julio Bassa for the still-vacant WBO International belt in Cancún, after the Colombian contender stayed in his corner at the conclusion of the sixth round.[20] The victory catapulted him to No. 5 in the WBO rankings.[21] On December 15, he defeated Alberto Mercado in his first title defense by unanimous decision on the undercard of the Canelo Álvarez–Rocky Fielding world title bout at Madison Square Garden.[3][22] This further moved him up the WBO rankings to No. 2 in January 2019.[23]

Roach faced veteran Puerto Rican fighter Jonathan Oquendo in a WBO junior lightweight final eliminator during the Álvarez–Daniel Jacobs undercard at T-Mobile Arena in May 2019.[24] He retained his belt while also taking Oquendo's WBO–NABO belt with a unanimous decision victory.[25] On November 9, he faced newly-crowned champion Jamel Herring for his WBO belt, but lost the 12-round bout in Fresno, California by unanimous decision.[26] He was scheduled to face Neil John Tabanao at the Avalon Hollywood on March 19, but the fight was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[27]

Roach faced Neil John Tabanao on October 30, 2020, on the Jaime Munguia and Tureano Johnson undercard.[28] He won the fight by a third-round knockout.[29] Roach next faced Daniel Rosas on July 9, 2021. He won the fight by a second-round technical knockout.[30]

Roach was booked to face the former WBA (Regular) super featherweight champion René Alvarado for the WBA-NABA super-featherweight title. The fight was scheduled for the undercard of the Gilberto Ramirez and Yunieski Gonzalez light-heavyweight bout, which took place on December 18, 2021.[31] He won the fight by unanimous decision. Two judges scored the fight 98–92 for Roach, while the third judge awarded him a 100–90 scorecard.[32]

WBA Lightweight Championship

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Roach vs. Davis

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On September 30, 2024 it was announced that Roach, who at that time was also a WBA super featherweight champion, was granted special permission by World Boxing Association to move up a weight class and challenge Gervonta Davis for his WBA lightweight title on December 14, 2024.[33][34] On October 6, 2024 the fight was confirmed to take place at Toyota Center in Houston, TX on December 14, 2024.[35]

Professional boxing record

[edit]
27 fights 25 wins 1 loss
By knockout 10 0
By decision 15 1
Draws 1
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
27 Win 25–1–1 Feargal McCrory TKO 8 (12), 2:45 Jun 28, 2024 Entertainment and Sports Arena, Washington, D.C., U.S. Retained WBA super-featherweight title
26 Win 24–1–1 Héctor Luis García SD 12 Nov 25, 2023 Michelob Ultra Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won WBA super-featherweight title
25 Win 23–1–1 Angel Rodriguez UD 12 Jul 16, 2022 Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
24 Win 22–1–1 René Alvarado UD 10 Dec 18, 2021 AT&T Center, San Antonio, Texas, U.S. Won WBA-NABA super-featherweight title
23 Win 21–1–1 Daniel Rosas TKO 2 (10), 2:55 Jul 9, 2021 Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
22 Win 20–1–1 Neil John Tabanao KO 3 (10), 2:30 Oct 30, 2020 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S.
21 Loss 19–1–1 Jamel Herring UD 12 Nov 9, 2019 Chukchansi Park, Fresno, California, U.S. For WBO super featherweight title
20 Win 19–0–1 Jonathan Oquendo UD 10 May 4, 2019 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained WBO International super featherweight title
Won WBO-NABO super featherweight title
19 Win 18–0–1 Alberto Mercado UD 10 Dec 15, 2018 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Retained WBO International super featherweight title
18 Win 17–0–1 Deivis Julio Bassa RTD 6 (10), 3:00 Jul 20, 2018 Grand Oasis Arena, Cancún, Quintana Roo, Mexico Won vacant WBO International super featherweight title
17 Draw 16–0–1 Orlando Cruz SD 10 Apr 19, 2018 Coliseo José Miguel Agrelot, San Juan, Puerto Rico For vacant WBO International super featherweight title
16 Win 16–0 Rey Perez UD 10 Nov 30, 2017 MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Maryland, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Luis Hinojosa TKO 1 (10), 2:04 Oct 21, 2017 Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Jesús Valdez Barrayan UD 10 Jun 30, 2017 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S. Retained WBC Youth Silver super featherweight title
13 Win 13–0 Alejandro Valdez KO 1 (8), 1:41 Jan 28, 2017 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S. Won vacant WBC Youth Silver super featherweight title
12 Win 12–0 Mario Antonio Macías KO 3 (8), 0:07 Sep 2, 2016 Belasco Theatre, New York City, New York, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 José Arturo Esquivel UD 8 May 7, 2016 T-Mobile Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Jesús Lule UD 8 Mar 5, 2016 D.C. Armory, Washington, D.C., U.S.
9 Win 9–0 José Bustos UD 6 Oct 17, 2015 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Christian Santibanez UD 6 Jun 30, 2015 2300 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 José Miguel Castro UD 6 Apr 18, 2015 Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Herbert Quartey TKO 4 (6), 2:34 Jan 20, 2015 2300 Arena, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 Alexander Charneco UD 4 Dec 6, 2014 Barclays Center, New York City, New York, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Rafael Francis TKO 1 (4), 2:11 Oct 30, 2014 Memorial Hall, Plymouth, Massachusetts, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Rocco Espinoza MD 4 Sep 6, 2014 U.S. Bank Arena, Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Miguel Antonio Rodríguez RTD 1 (4), 3:00 Jun 5, 2014 House of Blues, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Victor Galindo UD 4 Apr 19, 2014 D.C. Armory, Washington, D.C., U.S.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Getting in the ring: Lamont Roach Jr. goes pro while still student". The Diamondback. August 12, 2016. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  2. ^ a b Nieves, Peter (January 25, 2017). "Lamont Roach Jr. Has Sights Set on WBC Title This Saturday". Round by Round Boxing. Retrieved May 26, 2020.[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ a b Satterfield, Lem (December 17, 2018). "Lamont Roach Ready For Title Shot After Beating Mercado". Boxing Scene. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  4. ^ "Fighter Profile". Golden Boy Promotions. Archived from the original on September 14, 2020. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  5. ^ Nagesh, Gautham (June 6, 2014). "Danny Kelly, Lamont Roach Jr Win In Boston on FS1". Stiff Jab. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  6. ^ Glass, Brandon (June 21, 2015). "Lamont Roach Jr. Is Ready to Take the Next Step". Round by Round Boxing. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  7. ^ Avila, David A. (January 29, 2017). "Ringside in Indio: Berchelt Upsets Vargas in a Sizzler". The Sweet Science. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  8. ^ Williams, Gary (November 28, 2017). "Roach, Jr. Ready To Defend WBC Youth Silver". fightnews.com. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  9. ^ Paras, Matthew (November 29, 2017). "'A good soldier:' Boxer Lamont Roach Jr. fights for fallen trainer". The Washington Times. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  10. ^ Contreras, Robert Aaron (April 17, 2018). "Lamont Roach Jr.'s Undefeated Career Defined by Tragedy and Loss". Round by Round Boxing. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  11. ^ Burgos, Alex (November 21, 2017). "Lamont Roach Jr. Ready to Shine in Homecoming Main Event". Round by Round Boxing. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  12. ^ Paras, Matthew (November 29, 2017). "'A good soldier:' Boxer Lamont Roach Jr. fights for fallen trainer". The Washington Times. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  13. ^ Coppinger, Mike (November 30, 2017). "Lamont Roach Jr. fights in memory of longtime trainer, cousin who died last month". RingTV. Retrieved May 26, 2020.
  14. ^ Harris, Ron (December 6, 2017). "Young Lamont Roach, Jr. shows poise in win at MGM". Prince George's Sentinel. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  15. ^ Collins, Nigel (April 19, 2018). "Lamont Roach Jr. on the road again, faces Orlando Cruz in Puerto Rico". ESPN. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  16. ^ "Lamont Roach, Orlando Cruz - Ready For Battle in PR". Boxing Scene. April 18, 2018. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  17. ^ a b Collins, Nigel (April 19, 2018). "Lamont Roach, Orlando Cruz fight to controversial draw". ESPN. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  18. ^ George, Anthony (May 16, 2018). "Lamont Roach Jr.: The victim of the dark side of boxing". Max Boxing. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  19. ^ Burgos, Alex (April 20, 2018). "Lamont Roach Jr. vs. Orlando Cruz Ends in a Draw". Round by Round Boxing. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  20. ^ Burgos, Alex (July 20, 2018). "Lamont Roach Jr. Stops Deivi Julio Bassa to Earn WBO Title". Round by Round Boxing. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  21. ^ "WBO Rankings / August 2018". thepugilist.info. August 24, 2018. Archived from the original on September 20, 2020. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  22. ^ Lik, Vladimir (December 15, 2018). "Lamont Roach Jr., Yves Ulysse Jr., Bilal Akkawy score victories on Canelo-Rocky undercard". RingTV. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  23. ^ "Lamont Roach Jr. Moves to #2 in WBO Super Featherweight Rankings". Round by Round Boxing. January 28, 2019. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  24. ^ Manzano, Gilbert (May 4, 2019). "Lamont Roach Tested in Decision Over Jonathan Oquendo". Boxing Scene. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  25. ^ "Lamont Roach Pleased With Performance in Oquendo Win". Boxing Scene. May 5, 2019. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  26. ^ Rafael, Dan (November 9, 2019). "Jamel Herring outpoints Lamont Roach Jr. to retain title". ESPN. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
  27. ^ Rafael, Dan (April 3, 2020). "Keeping track of cancellations, postponements in boxing due to the coronavirus pandemic". ESPN. Retrieved March 27, 2020.
  28. ^ O'Hara, Ryan (August 14, 2020). "Lamont Roach Jr.: Facing Neil John Tabanao Is Unfinished Business". ringtv.com. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  29. ^ Luarca, Roy (October 31, 2020). "Tabanao tastes 1st KO defeat to Roach". rappler.com. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  30. ^ Donovan, Jake (July 9, 2021). "Lamont Roach Jr. Drops, Stops Daniel Rosas In 2nd Round". boxingscene.com. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  31. ^ O'Hara, Ryan (December 17, 2021). "Lamont Roach Jr. Looks To Rise At 130 Versus Rene Alvarado On Saturday". ringtv.com. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  32. ^ Idec, Keith (December 18, 2021). "Lamont Roach Comfortably Out-Points Rene Alvarado On Ramirez-Gonzalez Undercard". boxingscene.com. Retrieved January 31, 2022.
  33. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (September 30, 2024). "Gervonta 'Tank' Davis vs Lamont Roach Jr granted 'special permit' for fight in Dec". FIGHTMAG.
  34. ^ Mazique, Brian. "Gervonta Davis' Next Fight Confirmed, And Fans Aren't Impressed". Forbes.
  35. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (October 7, 2024). "'Tank' Davis vs Lamont Roach Jr location & venue confirmed". FIGHTMAG.
[edit]
Sporting positions
Amateur boxing titles
Previous:
Albert Bell 		Golden Gloves
lightweight champion
2013 		Next:
Maliek Montgomery
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Cristian Ruben Gramajo 		WBC Youth Silver
super-featherweight champion
January 28, 2017 – 2018
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Moussa Gholam
Vacant
Title last held by
José López 		WBO International
super-featherweight champion
July 20, 2018 – 2019
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Mark Urvanov
Preceded by NABO super-featherweight champion
May 4, 2019 – 2019
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Albert Bell
Vacant
Title last held by
Abraham Nova 		NABA super-featherweight champion
December 18, 2021 – November 25, 2023
Won world title 		Vacant
World boxing titles
Preceded by WBA super-featherweight champion
November 25, 2023 – present 		Incumbent
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