3 hrs ago
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Rolando Romero ends a 15-month layoff against old friend Teofimo Lopez in the first defense of his WBA 147-pound crown next month.
Both men have previously fallen short at the highest level, yet are young enough and hungry to assert themselves in a welterweight division without a bonafide leader as intriguing matchups aplenty await next month's victor.
Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) stunned many by outpointing an out-of-sorts Ryan Garcia in May 2025, though failed to capitalize on that momentum and instead spent time with failed negotiations and focusing on his religious faith.
Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs) was handily outboxed to the tune of a wide 12-round decision by Shakur Stevenson, losing his Ring and WBO 140-pound crowns on January 31. Despite questions over his father and head coach Sr, as well as his suitability to adapt against elite-level styles, he's moved up another weight class seeking more history.
Alongside The Ring's Rick Reeno, they discussed several topics including:
- How did the pair become friends over a decade ago?
- What happened to Romero-Haney, a WBA/WBO unification rumored earlier this year?
- Teofimo Lopez making his 147-pound debut
- Strength in familiarity: Teofimo talks his Romero knowledge being an advantage
- The new and improved version of "Rolly"
- Did they ever think they would meet as professionals one day?
- The stigma on losing the unbeaten record in boxing
- How do both envisage their title fight playing out?
Their full sit-down interview is now available to watch and stream across all platforms. Scroll down below and enjoy the episode! 🥊💥
Rolly Romero & Teofimo Lopez Like You've NEVER SEEN BEFORE | Mr. Verzace Podcast | Ep. 31
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