My Brother’s Keeper: For Lamont Roach, June 28th Bout is More Than a Homecoming

On June 28th, at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington D.C., Lamont Roach Jr. will step into the ring, not just to defend his WBA super featherweight title, but to celebrate a homecoming that carries profound personal significance. The 28-year-old champion (24-1-1, 9 KOs) faces an undefeated challenger, Feargal McCrory (16-0, 8 KOs), from Ireland, now fighting out of New York. This bout, co-promoted by Lamont Roach Sr.’s NoXcuse Promotions and ProBox Promotions, will be broadcast on ProBoxTV at 8:00 PM EST.

For Roach, this fight marks his first appearance at home since 2017 and his debut as a world champion on his native soil. Born in Washington D.C. and raised in Maryland, Lamont Roach Jr. has had a boxing career deeply intertwined with family. Trained by his father, Lamont Sr., he finally clinched a world title in November 2023 by defeating Hector Luis García. Now, he stands as a world champion in defense of his first title, determined to make a triumphant return to where it all began.

The significance of this event extends beyond Lamont’s title defense. It also marks a momentous occasion for his younger brother, Jordan Roach. The 20-year-old prodigy is making his professional debut on the undercard, a stage set for him by the legacy of his older brother. Jordan, a seven-time national champion and former member of Team USA Boxing, is a blue-chip prospect entering the professional ranks at 115 pounds. Trained by his father and nicknamed “Iceman,” Jordan is set to face the experienced Dominican journeyman Luis Domingo Cambero (15-13-1, 10 KOs).

In a wide ranging interview with Women Crushing It Wednesdays on YouTube, Jordan Roach made his aspirations clear. Those aspirations? To carry on the path that his brother paved for him. “He helped by paving it just by being him. Him and my father went through the whole path already. He is the main event. He put me in this position to turn pro… He’s paved the way so I know what to do and what not to do from him. It’s him part two, but it’s gonna be better,” Jordan confidently stated, embodying the Roach family’s blend of competitiveness and camaraderie.

As for what fans should expect to see from Jordan in the ring? He describes his fighting style as a “jack of all trades,” and he’s eager to demonstrate his versatility and skill early in his career.

The Roach family dynamic is one of tight-knit support, playful banter, and shared ambition. “You can’t be in this family and be soft,” they assert, reflecting a bond that extends from their father to their uncle and has undeniably shaped the brothers. Despite the natural competitiveness that comes with being athletes, there is no sibling rivalry. Instead, there is a mutual respect and a desire to see each other succeed. Jordan looks up to Lamont, hoping to emulate his path while carving out his own identity in the ring.

As the spotlight shines on the Entertainment and Sports Arena, the Roach family story will be front and center. For Lamont Jr., the fight is a testament to his journey and an opportunity to defend his hard-earned title in front of a hometown crowd. For Jordan, it is the beginning of a new chapter, one that has been inspired and shaped by his brother’s legacy. Together, they exemplify the spirit of boxing—a blend of hard work, determination, and unwavering family support. The June 28th bout is more than a homecoming; it’s a celebration of a family’s dedication to the sport and to each other.

The Co-Main Event:
The card also features Guatemalan knockout artist Lester Martínez (17-0, 15 KOs) in the co-main event. Martínez faces the toughest test of his career against veteran Carlos Gongora (21-2, 16 KOs). At 28 years old, Martínez aims to continue his quest to become Guatemala’s first-ever world champion, following in the footsteps of Emanuel Lopez, who won an interim WBA super featherweight title in 2015. Currently ranked 14th in the WBC super middleweight rankings, Martínez is on a mission to make history.

The Rest of the Card:
Additional bouts on the card include Alex Dilmaghani versus Rene Tellez Giron, Rianna Rios against Mary Romero, and Travon Marshall taking on Luis Midyael Sanchez.