Lopez (23-2, 13 KOs) beat Rolando Romero (17-3, 13 KOs) at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday to become the WBA 147-pound titleholder in his division debut.

Lopez overcame a brief moment of adversity in the fifth round with a cut across his eyebrow and a near knockdown but appeared in control for the rest of the fight to score a majority decision. The scorecards were a lot closer than they should have been, as Romero rarely picked up the pace and forced the issue.

With the win, the former Ring and unified 135- and 140-pound champion became a three-division titleholder and got back in the win column following his lopsided unanimous-decision defeat against Shakur Stevenson in January.

"This is the road to undisputed. I’m here to claim the next world title. Whoever the next champion is, that's what it's all about," Lopez said during his post-fight press conference.

"It feels like I've got some work to do, that's for sure. But it feels good at the same time. I got to remind myself of everything that I've accomplished thus far at 29. But you guys have to realize that I'm here to make the best fights happen, truthfully. We don't duck. We don't dodge any fights."

"The Takeover" wants all the smoke in a talented weight class that features WBC champion Ryan Garcia, WBO beltholder Devin Haney and IBF titlist Liam Paro. Lopez can also consider lucrative clashes against WBA mandatory Jack Catterall, Keyshawn Davis, Richardson Hitchins, Manny Pacquiao and Brian Norman, but he appears only interested in getting in the ring against titleholders.

"I have three fights left with DAZN, and all of them are for the road to undisputed," Lopez said. "We're going right to every world title. We're not taking no defenses, or anything. So, whoever's next, we're going for him.

"That's why I did the deal. It's a no-brainer. I don't want to take the easy route. I never did. So, why do it now?"

Sitting atop Lopez's wish list is the winner of the Garcia-Conor Benn fight on September 12. Lopez and Garcia have been jawing at each for years, and a bout with Benn should be able to come together rather smoothly, as both share Keith Connolly as their manager.

"There are rumors right now … That's the next one. We'll see what happens there. We'll watch … If Conor wins, it's a great fight to take across the pond. I'm rooting for it either way.

"I just think I would rather wait for Devin at the end. And the only reason why is to reclaim the whole situation with undisputed [following our lightweight run as champions].

"We'll see what Devin does on that end. So it'll either be Paro next, or the winner out of Garcia and Benn."

Catterall, the WBA secondary titleholder, will certainly have a say in the proceedings as he tries to force the issue against Lopez through the sanctioning body.

As Lopez sits back and waits to see how everything unfolds, he can also focus on fatherhood and welcoming the birth of his second child.

"We'll see what [the champions at 147] do on their side," he said. "But we don't have to report to anybody — it's Takeover Promotions, officially."

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