All photos by Mikey Williams
Washington DC is home to many prominent fighters in the boxing game. One fighter on the rise is Golden Boy Promotions prospect, Lamont Roach Jr. (12-0, 4 KOs).
Roach Jr., who began turning heads as an amateur fighter, will look to impress fans at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California this Saturday night on the undercard of HBO’s Boxing After Dark card featuring Francisco Vargas vs. Miguel Berchelt.
Roach Jr. faces off against former title contender Alejandro Valdez (26-8-2, 20 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico.
Roach Jr. laced up his first pair of gloves at age nine and hasn’t put them down since. Boasting an impressive amateur record of 125-15, it’s clear to see how he was able to make the transition into the pros with such ease.
Now at age 21, Roach Jr.’s hard work is starting to pay off and aspirations that were once fantasies are now becoming realities.
“Ever since I was about nine or 10 years old, I’ve wanted to be a fighter,” said Roach Jr. in a recent talk with Round By Round Boxing.
“I can’t remember ever taking a break from it. I started winning youth championships and then I got a little older and fought as an amateur, and I always have my mind on the next level.”
There is no shortage of ambition for Roach Jr. and he’ll be the first one to tell you. As a teenager, he grew up watching fighters he admired, fighters who reached heights that transcended the sport. Names such as Roy Jones Jr. and Oscar De La Hoya, the latter of which would one day sign him to a promotional deal.
Although he grew up watching some of boxing’s greatest hero’s, Roach Jr.’s biggest idol and source for motivation has always been his father Lamont Roach Sr.
“He’s always been my hero and he’s been there since day one. My dad has always been my biggest motivator,” said Roach Jr.
With guidance from his father and his team from NoXcuse Boxing, Roach Jr. is on the cusp of accomplishing one of his early goals. With a win over Valdez this Saturday night, Roach Jr. will earn himself the WBC Youth Jr. Lightweight championship.
“This fight means a lot to me. It’s my first opportunity to win a title as a pro and that’s always been a goal of mine,” said the eager Roach Jr. “After I cross this off, the next step is to win one of the major titles.”
While Roach Jr. has found himself on large platforms in the past, this fight will not only be for his first title, but will also be a performance dedicated to the loss of his late cousin Jermaine who recently passed away.
“It’s definitely been tough. We grew up together and boxed together. I know he’s still with us and this fight is gonna be for him,” said Roach Jr.
“I’m not thinking any less of my opponent and I’m training harder than ever for this fight. I know there can be a lot of distractions in boxing so I need to stay focused and stay motivated,” said Roach Jr.
Follow Round By Round Boxing on fight night for updates on Lamont Roach Jr. vs. Alejandro Valdez and more.
