WBC Orders Lightweight Title Unification: William Zepeda vs 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. The two fighters have until October 20th to finalize the terms for their clash.

Background on the Fighters and Titles

With Shakur Stevenson moving up in weight to challenge Teofimo Lopez at super lightweight, the interim belt became available. Herrera (18-0, 16 KOs) earned the interim title by defeating Ricardo Nunez decisively. Meanwhile, the WBC stripped Stevenson due to unpaid sanctioning fees, creating some uncertainty around the lightweight division.

Instead of promoting Herrera outright or setting up a vacant title bout, the WBC allowed William Zepeda (34-1, 27 KOs) to face Lamont Roach Jr. for the official lightweight championship this past August, where Zepeda emerged victorious.

What This Means for the Division

Zepeda, despite being only 24 years old and having a somewhat controversial recent record including a disqualification loss to Jon Fernandez, holds the main title and seems eager for the showdown. He represents a tough challenge in the division, which has been reshaped after Stevenson's departure.

Unless Zepeda seeks to unify his title with Abdullah Mason or abandons it altogether, the upcoming fight against Herrera looks set to determine the undisputed WBC lightweight champion.