It has been nearly seven years since Lamont Roach Jr., the current WBA junior lightweight titleholder, fought at home in the Washington, D.C., area, and he has felt every minute of it.
Roach faces Feargal McCrory, a tough Irish fighter, in his first title defense as the bill-topper on a show promoted by NoXcuses Promotions, the organization headed by his father and trainer, Lamont Roach Sr., in association with ProBox TV. The card will air on the ProBox TV app.
Roach Jr. (24-1-1, 9 KOs), 28, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, knows the hard-charging McCrory (16-0, 8 KOs), 31, will come to fight. With emotion in his veins, returning as a titleholder, Roach Jr. is eager to please the fans who have waited a long time to see him fight again.
“It’s been seven years,” Roach said. “The last time I fought out here was 2017 on a Thursday night, and I think this fight is going to be so much better. It is going to have so much love and excitement.”
Though things were not always easy for Roach, he worked his way to a world title shot against Jamel Herring. Despite nearly knocking out Herring, Roach found himself on the wrong side of a unanimous decision. He then won four fights on undercards before defeating Hector Luis Garcia to become the titleholder last year. Given his climb back up the ratings, Roach is not taking any opponent lightly.
“I think he’s a tough guy who worked his way up the ranks,” Roach said. “He looks like a guy that likes to fight and is ready to fight. That’s all I’m concerned about, because I’m ready to give my fans a good show.”
Given the aggressive style of McCrory’s past fights, Roach noted that he would be surprised if McCrory did anything but press forward and pressure him.
“We are ready for anything, but I would be very shocked if he were to try to bounce around or move or even be cautious, honestly,” Roach said. “I am coming out the gates blazing, man. I am going to be super sharp, laser sharp, and I am ready to turn up for the fans.
“I just want to thank ProBox for partnering with my dad and giving me this platform to showcase my skills and allowing my teammates and family to showcase their skills as well. I’m going to be a household name.”
When asked if this performance will prove that he is the leading junior lightweight, the younger Roach smiled and said, “I have been doing that.”