by the El Reportero wire services
Lamont Roach is adamant that WBC junior welterweight champion Subriel Matias should be relieved of his belt following a positive test for Ostarine.
Roach Targets Official Champion Recognition
Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs) could find himself elevated to full WBA champion at 140 pounds if he defeats interim WBC titleholder Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz (28-3-1, 18 KOs) Saturday night, December 6th, at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Should the WBA decide to strip Matias because of the failed drug test, Roach would be in position to benefit from the ruling if he emerges victorious on Saturday. While it may not be the ideal path to a championship, Roach would certainly accept the opportunity.
If he officially secures the WBA title, it could open the door for a major unification bout against the winner of Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson. That kind of matchup could also bring significant financial rewards from Turki Alalshikh.
“My only objective in there is to take out the guy standing across from me,” Roach told Fight Hub TV about his focus heading into Saturday’s fight with Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz. “I plan to handle both,” Roach added when discussing competing at 135 and 140.
Concerns About Power at 140 Pounds
Roach is not known as a heavy hitter, so his claim about “destroying” his opponent sounds more like confidence than reality.
“As the interim champion, my team and I will push hard for a shot at the full world champion,” Roach said regarding a potential title opportunity against WBC champion Subriel Matias if he defeats Cruz.
Matias presents a difficult stylistic challenge for Roach, who lacked knockout power even at 130 pounds. At 140, that absence of punch authority could be even more evident.
“I believe fighters should be punished or suspended for cheating,” Roach said when questioned about Matias’ failed PED test. “Ostarine is something you only find on the black market.
“You don’t just accidentally take Ostarine through food unless it was planted. Penalties should be much stronger, and boxing should have zero tolerance for cheaters,” Roach added.
