In his long-awaited homecoming, Lamont Roach is ready to take on Feargal McCrory

It’s been nearly seven years since Lamont Roach Jr., the current WBA junior lightweight titleholder, fought on home soil in the Washington, D.C., area, and he’s felt every minute of it.

Roach faces tough Irish fighter Feargal McCrory in his first title defense as the headliner of a show promoted by NoXcuses Promotions, the organization run by his father and trainer, Lamont Roach Sr., in association with ProBox TV. The card will air on the ProBox TV app.

Roach Jr. (24-1-1, 9 KOs), 28, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, knows McCrory (16-0, 8 KOs), 31, will come to fight. With emotion in his veins, back as title holder, Roach Jr. is eager to please the fans who have long waited to see him fight again.

“It’s been seven years,” Roach said. “The last time I fought here was in 2017, on a Thursday night, and I think this fight is going to be much better. There will be so much love and excitement.

Although things haven’t always been easy for Roach, he has fought his way to a world title shot against Jamel Herring. Despite nearly knocking out Herring, Roach found himself on the wrong end of a unanimous decision. He then won four fights on undercards before defeating Hector Luis Garcia to become titleholder last year. Given his rise in the rankings, Roach doesn’t take any opponent lightly.

“I think he’s a tough guy who’s come up through the ranks,” Roach said. “He looks like a guy who loves to fight and is ready to fight. That’s all I care about because I’m ready to put on a good show for my fans.

Given the aggressive style of McCrory’s past fights, Roach noted that he would be surprised if McCrory did anything other than push and pressure him.

“We’re prepared for anything, but I would be very shocked if he tried to bounce or move or even be careful, honestly,” Roach said. “I’m coming out of the doors fired up, man. I’m going to be super precise, laser precise, and I’m ready to get in front of the fans.

“I just want to thank ProBox for partnering with my father and giving me this platform to showcase my skills and allowing my teammates and family to showcase their skills as well. I’m going to be a household name.

Asked if this performance would prove he was the best junior lightweight, the younger Roach smiled and replied: “That’s what I did. »