Romero (17-3, 13 KOs) had the setback against Lopez (23-2, 13 KOs) and lost his WBA welterweight title along the way via scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while a third judge had it a draw at 114-114.

Romero rocked and nearly dropped Lopez in the fifth round and even caused a cut across his right eyebrow but was unable to capitalize on the fight-shifting sequence. He mostly allowed Lopez to dictate the pace over the second half of the fight.

Lopez outlanded Romero 124-73 and threw more punches (530-352), according to CompuBox.

During his post-fight press conference, Romero was somewhat combative when he was asked why he didn't pick up the pace and show more urgency, especially after being instructed by his coach, Ismael Salas, in between rounds.

"Why don't we ask [why I wasn't more aggressive down the stretch] to every single boxer that literally just picks, moves, picks, moves, picks, moves," Romero said.

"Everyone praises that as beautiful, perfect boxing, yada yada yada. But when I do it, why don't I get the same [credit] like everybody else, right? Why? Is it because I'm a power puncher? Because I'm awkward? I never get a fair shake. And it's apparent. I clearly outboxed the dude that's supposed to be one of the best boxers. He's an Olympian and all this stuff. I clearly outboxed him. I cut him. I hurt him multiple times. It’s clear as day. I deserve a rematch, and honestly, that decision was self-explanatory.

"When somebody else does this, it's a master class. When I do it, it's self-explanatory, right? ... It’s all political. Do I really need to [elaborate]?"

When Romero dropped Ryan Garcia in the second round of a career-best unanimous decision win 15 months ago, he got out of his game plan for the rest of the fight and allowed. Romero took control.

After stunning Lopez, "The Takeover" lived up to his nickname and mostly dictated terms from there on out, forcing Romero to box off his back foot as the fight was still hanging in the balance.

"Nothing [he did was unexpected]. He didn't land a single shot. You guys could clearly see he didn't land a single shot," Romero said.

"He didn't land any of them [shots to the body]. It was a block with an elbow.

“He found a way to survive ... Every time he threw himself, I landed a hook. Every time I threw, I landed a shot."

While Romero seeks a sequel, Lopez will certainly be interested in title unification fights against Garcia, who first must get past Conor Benn on September 12 in the first defense of his WBC title. Other top options for Lopez, who is now a three-division champion, include WBO crownholder Devin Haney and IBF titlist Liam Paro.

"I am owed a rematch – for sure owed a rematch," Romero said. "And yeah, congratulations to Teofimo."

Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan