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WBA junior lightweight titleholder Lamont Roach Jr. is set to make his first world title defense in his hometown of Washington D.C., on June 28 to be aired live on ProBox TV.
Roach (24-1-1, 9 KOs) impressed in his most recent outing, capturing the title from Hector Luis Garcia, and now turns his attention to his first defense, against 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, who has previously fought in his hometown only twice, and not since an eight-round decision over Jesus Lule in 2016, 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.”
ProBox TV CEO Garry Jonas added, “ProBox TV is excited about working with Lamont Roach Sr and Jr. Both are a success story in and out of the ring.
“They want to do it their way and they want to fight in DC in front of their hometown people. We’ve been able to give them the support and we’re excited to put on a solid championship production live on ProBox TV.”