WBC Orders William Zepeda-Jadier Herrera Lightweight Consolidation

The WBC has ordered a title consolidation fight between champion William Zepeda and interim champion Jadier Herrera, giving both sides until October 20 to reach terms, Frank Warren confirmed.

Herrera won the interim title by stopping Ricardo Nunez after Shakur Stevenson was stripped over unpaid sanctioning fees while moving up to challenge Teofimo Lopez. Rather than elevate Herrera directly, the WBC instead let Zepeda defend the full title against Lamont Roach Jr. in August, which he won.

At 24, Herrera's best win came against a limited opponent following a DQ loss to Jon Fernandez, making him a significant underdog against Zepeda. Unless Zepeda pursues a unification with Abdullah Mason or opts to vacate the title, Herrera appears to be next in line.