WBC Mandates Unification Bout Between William Zepeda and Jadier Herrera

The WBC has taken an unusual step by ordering a unification fight between reigning lightweight champion William Zepeda and interim titleholder Jadier Herrera. Both fighters have been given until October 20th to finalize their agreement.

Background on the Fighters and Titles

With Shakur Stevenson moving up in weight class to face Teofimo Lopez for the super lightweight championship, the interim lightweight belt became available. Herrera, boasting an undefeated record of 18-0 with 16 knockouts, earned the interim title by defeating Ricardo Nunez decisively.

Meanwhile, the WBC stripped Stevenson due to unpaid sanctioning fees. Instead of simply promoting Herrera or assigning him to a vacant title bout, the organization allowed Zepeda (34-1, 27 KO) to win the main lightweight belt by overcoming Lamont Roach Jr this past August.

What This Means for the Division

Zepeda presents a formidable challenge in the lightweight ranks, particularly as a 24-year-old whose notable win came against a less formidable opponent, following a disqualification loss to Jon Fernandez. Still, both he and promoter Frank Warren are keen on this matchup.

Unless Zepeda opts for a unification fight with Abdullah Mason or chooses to vacate the title, all indications suggest that Herrera will get his chance to unify the belts.