Roach Sr. Believes Son Can Defeat Boxing Champ Stevenson

Lamont Roach Jr.'s father says his son has the skills and experience to hand Shakur Stevenson his first professional loss.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Lamont Roach Sr. recently stated that his son Lamont Roach Jr. can defeat boxing champion Shakur Stevenson, citing Roach Jr.'s elite amateur background, ring IQ, and ability to make adjustments. Roach Sr. believes his son's familiarity with Stevenson from sparring sessions gives him an advantage, and that the friendship between the two fighters won't affect their competitiveness in the ring.

Why it matters

Stevenson has become one of boxing's biggest stars, and many challengers are lining up to try to unseat him. Roach Sr.'s confidence in his son's abilities to crack Stevenson's code could set up a highly anticipated matchup between the two rising talents.

The details

Last March, Roach Jr. fought Gervonta Davis to a controversial draw, with Roach using a tactical approach to give Davis trouble. Roach Sr. believes his son's ring IQ, conditioning, and ability to make adjustments will translate well against Stevenson, who Roach Jr. has sparred with in the past. Roach Sr. says the friendship between the two fighters won't affect their competitiveness when they step into the ring.

  • In March 2025, Roach Jr. fought Gervonta Davis to a controversial draw.
  • A rematch between Roach Jr. and Davis was initially targeted for late 2025 in Las Vegas, but Davis instead chose to fight Jake Paul.

The players

Lamont Roach Sr.

The father and trainer of boxer Lamont Roach Jr., who believes his son has the skills to defeat champion Shakur Stevenson.

Lamont Roach Jr.

A boxer with an elite amateur background, including being a 12-time national champion and Golden Gloves champion, who Roach Sr. believes can hand Shakur Stevenson his first professional loss.

Shakur Stevenson

A rising boxing star who has become one of the sport's most heralded champions, and who many challengers are lining up to try to unseat.

Gervonta Davis

A boxer who fought Roach Jr. to a controversial draw in March 2025, but later opted to fight Jake Paul instead of a rematch with Roach.

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What they’re saying

“Same reason why he had what it took to do that with Gervonta Davis”

— Lamont Roach Sr., Trainer (Boxing Scene)

“Lamont was a very elite amateur. I think a lot of people forgot that. He was a 12-time national champion, Golden Glove champion at 17 years old, USA champion, and an outstanding boxer in the tournament.”

— Lamont Roach Sr., Trainer (Boxing Scene)

“He and Shakur make for a great fight. Shakur said himself, that's why Shakur picked Lamont to beat Gervonta, because those two did many rounds with each other. It was great work.”

— Lamont Roach Sr., Trainer (Boxing Scene)

What’s next

A rematch between Roach Jr. and Davis was initially targeted for late 2025 in Las Vegas, but Davis instead chose to take on Jake Paul.

The takeaway

Roach Sr.'s confidence in his son's abilities to defeat the highly touted Stevenson could set up a highly anticipated matchup between the two rising talents, with Roach Jr.'s elite amateur pedigree, ring IQ, and familiarity with Stevenson potentially giving him the tools to hand the champion his first professional loss.