Lamont Roach Jr. Bio
Lamont Roach Jr. is an American professional boxer born on August 18, 1995, in Washington, D.C. Known by his ring name “The Reaper,” Roach held the WBA super featherweight title from 2023 to 2025. Raised in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, he began boxing at a young age and quickly rose through the amateur ranks before turning professional in 2014 while studying mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland. He has competed primarily in the super featherweight and lightweight divisions and is recognized for his technical skill and resilience in the ring.
Early Life and Background
Lamont Roach Jr. was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. His introduction to boxing came at age nine when he accompanied his father and cousin to the No “X” Cuse Boxing Club in Capitol Heights. There, he first learned to hit a punching bag and picked up the basics of boxing. He enjoyed the sport so much that he committed to training regularly, practicing five times a week by middle school. Although he played football during his youth, Roach chose to focus exclusively on boxing once he reached high school. As an amateur, he compiled a record of 125 wins and 15 losses, including two losses to future star Gervonta Davis. Roach won multiple national championships, including two Junior National Golden Gloves titles, a national PAL Championship, and five Ringside World Championships. In 2013, he captured both the USA Boxing Youth National Championship and the National Golden Gloves at 132 pounds. He also earned a bronze medal at the Klitschko Brothers Tournament in Ukraine and was recognized with the USA Boxing Outstanding Boxer award that year.
Path to Boxing
Roach’s amateur success laid a strong foundation for his professional career. His achievements in national tournaments and international competition showcased his potential early on. After graduating from high school, he enrolled at the University of Maryland, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering while continuing to develop as a boxer. In March 2014, Roach signed with Golden Boy Promotions, marking the start of his professional journey. His father, Lamont Roach Sr., managed his career, and his cousin Bernard “Boogaloo” Roach served as his trainer until his passing. Roach quickly made a name for himself with a series of wins, demonstrating his technical prowess and determination.
Lamont Roach Jr. Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Roach made his professional debut on April 19, 2014, defeating Victor Galindo by unanimous decision at the D.C. Armory. At just 18 years old and still a college freshman, he balanced his studies with a burgeoning boxing career. His early fights included a notable victory over Miguel Antonio Rodríguez when his opponent failed to answer the bell for the second round. Roach’s first televised bout came in January 2015 against Herbert Quartey, where he dominated the more experienced fighter, scoring three knockdowns before the referee stopped the fight in the fourth round. These early successes helped Roach build an undefeated streak and establish himself as a rising prospect in the super featherweight division.
Super Featherweight Breakthrough (2017–2023)
In January 2017, Roach captured the vacant WBC Youth Silver super featherweight title by stopping Alejandro Valdez in under two minutes. He dedicated this victory to his late cousin Jermaine, who had introduced him to boxing years earlier. Roach successfully defended the belt against Jesús Valdez and continued to build momentum with a first-round TKO over Luis Hinojosa. His first major title opportunity came in 2018 when he challenged for the vacant WBO International super featherweight title against Orlando Cruz in Puerto Rico. The fight ended in a controversial split draw, with a disputed knockdown ruling playing a pivotal role. Roach rebounded by winning the WBO International title later that year and defended it successfully against Alberto Mercado at Madison Square Garden. In 2019, he defeated Jonathan Oquendo in a WBO junior lightweight final eliminator, earning a shot at the WBO super featherweight title. Roach faced Jamel Herring for the world title in November 2019 but lost by unanimous decision in his first world title fight. Despite the setback, he continued to refine his skills and secured victories over Daniel Rosas and René Alvarado, the latter earning him the vacant NABA title. In 2022, Roach won a WBA super featherweight title eliminator against Angel Rodriguez, moving closer to another world title opportunity.
WBA Super Featherweight Champion and Lightweight Transition (2023–Present)
Roach claimed the WBA super featherweight title in 2023, marking the pinnacle of his career to date. In 2024, he received special permission from the WBA to move up to the lightweight division and challenge Gervonta Davis for the WBA lightweight title. Their December 2024 bout was postponed and eventually took place on March 1, 2025, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The fight ended in a majority draw, the first non-win result in Davis’s professional career, amid controversy over a missed knockdown call. Roach was praised for his resilience and technical skill, becoming only the third fighter to go the distance with Davis. Later in 2025, Roach fought Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz for the interim WBC super lightweight title, resulting in another majority draw despite Roach’s strong performance. He revealed he fought much of the bout with a broken hand. Roach continues to seek rematches and opportunities to solidify his standing in the lightweight and super lightweight divisions.
Driving Style and Strengths
Lamont Roach Jr. fights from an orthodox stance and is known for his technical skill, accuracy, and adaptability in the ring. He effectively uses jabs and counterpunching to control the pace of fights and is capable of adjusting his strategy mid-fight to counter aggressive opponents. Roach’s resilience and conditioning allow him to maintain pressure and composure throughout bouts, even when facing adversity such as injuries. His ability to fight both on the inside and at range makes him a versatile competitor across multiple weight classes.
Notable Events and Milestones
Roach’s career milestones include winning the National Golden Gloves and USA Boxing Youth National Championships in 2013, capturing the WBC Youth Silver super featherweight title in 2017, and claiming the WBA super featherweight world title in 2023. His 2025 lightweight title challenge against Gervonta Davis was a significant event, ending in a controversial draw and marking the first time Davis did not secure a victory. Roach’s fights against top contenders like Isaac Cruz further highlight his status as a top-level boxer willing to face elite competition.
Lamont Roach Jr. Career Wins
Lamont Roach Jr. has compiled a professional record of 25 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws over 29 fights. Of his 25 victories, 10 have come by knockout, demonstrating his ability to finish fights decisively. His career includes multiple title wins and defenses across the super featherweight and lightweight divisions.
Super Featherweight Highlights
Roach’s first major title win was the WBC Youth Silver super featherweight title in 2017. He later secured the WBO International super featherweight title and defended it successfully. His crowning achievement in the division was winning the WBA super featherweight world title in 2023. Roach has consistently performed at a high level in this weight class, earning top rankings and challenging for world titles.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his major titles, Roach has won regional belts such as the NABA title and has been victorious in numerous eliminator bouts that positioned him for world title shots. His amateur career was also decorated with national championships and international medals, laying the groundwork for his professional success.
Lamont Roach Jr. Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Lamont Roach Jr.’s family played a significant role in his boxing career. His father, Lamont Roach Sr., has managed his professional career, providing guidance and support. His cousin Bernard “Boogaloo” Roach served as his trainer until his passing in 2017. The family connection to boxing has been a strong influence on Roach’s development and dedication to the sport.
Personal Life
Roach resides in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Public details about his personal life, including marital status and children, are not disclosed. He has balanced his athletic career with academic pursuits, having studied mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been pivotal for Lamont Roach Jr. He challenged Gervonta Davis for the WBA lightweight title in a highly anticipated bout that ended in a majority draw amid controversy over officiating. This fight marked Roach as a top contender in the lightweight division. Later in the year, Roach faced Isaac Cruz for the interim WBC super lightweight title, resulting in another majority draw despite Roach’s strong performance and fighting with a broken hand. These bouts have solidified Roach’s reputation for resilience and technical skill against elite opposition. He continues to seek rematches and title opportunities, aiming to capture world championships across multiple weight classes.