“I think it’s very realistic. I think that’s something that both parties want, being quite honest. So, we’ll see,” said Roach to Fighthype. “Especially, you know, we’ll have a common opponent, and I think that’s the interesting factor. The fact that Ryan and Conor Benn is getting made, that’s a good thing. That’s a push for doors and avenues opening up.”
The problem is that Roach’s vision doesn’t match where Shakur’s career is heading.
Shakur is being linked with Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, Conor Benn and Gervonta Davis. Those are the kinds of marquee fights Turki Alalshikh has consistently pursued, and Zuffa is unlikely to invest heavily in Shakur only to place him in a matchup fans are not requesting. From a business standpoint, Stevenson-Roach offers far less upside than those alternatives.
Even a Roach victory over Zepeda would not necessarily change that. It would make Roach a two-division champion, but it would not make Stevenson-Roach the most attractive fight at lightweight.
If Shakur returns to 135 pounds, fans would be far more interested in seeing him against Tank or Abdullah Mason. Andy Cruz may also enter that discussion if he begins producing impressive performances against stronger opposition. Floyd Schofield has enough talent to become another option, although his inactivity has hurt his position.
Roach also lacks the punching power and mainstream popularity to force himself into Shakur’s plans. He is coming off consecutive draws and spent most of his career at super featherweight, a division that has struggled to produce mainstream stars.
Roach is already talking about Shakur as though beating Zepeda is simply the next step in his career. That’s a risky assumption. Zepeda’s relentless pressure and volume punching make him one of the toughest fights at lightweight, and even an upset victory wouldn’t guarantee Roach the fight he wants.
Turki Alalshikh and Zuffa are investing in Shakur to make the biggest fights available, not the ones with the least demand. If Stevenson ever returns to 135, the conversation is far more likely to center on Gervonta Davis, Abdullah Mason or another marquee opponent than Roach. Ambition has never been Roach’s problem. Convincing the boxing world that Shakur-Roach belongs near the top of the wish list is the much bigger challenge.
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