Teofimo Lopez Jr. expects ‘biggest fight’ against Rolly Romero

The bluster has been toned down as the date for their welterweight championship fight nears. Teofimo Lopez Jr. acknowledges that his seven-pound jump to the welterweight division will pose a major challenge against Rolly Romero.

Lopez has won titles at lightweight (135 pounds) and light welterweight (140 pounds). Now Romero awaits at 147 pounds for the WBA welterweight championship on Aug. 22 at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.

“I’m fighting a big puncher at 147 and going up to that weight for the first time,” Lopez says. “We’re taking a risk, because it’s ( a case of) ‘no risk, no reward.’ I’m just focusing on my objectives so I can come out victorious.”

The PBC Pay-Per-View event will be available on DAZN and Prime Video.

The Honduran American from Brooklyn visited with the media on Tuesday at Fortune Gym in Los Angeles. Romero met with the media on Friday in Las Vegas after donating school supplies to students at John S. Park Elementary School, where he attended as a child.

Giving back

“I had a great time today,” Romero said of the back-to-school event. “A lot more kids showed up than I thought. It really makes me feel good to know that I had an impact on a kid’s life.”

Romero posed for pictures, donated a few tickets to the upcoming fight and gave backpacks to students.

“Boxing has given me a platform where I can help a lot of people,” Romero said. “I love my city. It’s fitting that I’m back defending my title on Aug. 22. I’m a hometown hero.”

With 10 days to go until their fight, Lopez and Romero are now focusing on selling their fight and fine tuning their preparations.

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“Every fight at 147 will be my biggest fight,” Teofimo Lopez said. “I won’t say they’ll all be the most challenging. The best man will end up on top. Right now I’m only focused on Rolly Romero.”

Teofimo Lopez Jr. and his dad Teofimo Sr. have been outspoken throughout their careers, but there’s clearly some respect between the fighters.

Romero is actually the one Teofimo Lopez Sr. credits with suggesting that Teofimo Lopez Jr. move up to welterweight.

Respect for Rolly Romero

The younger Lopez took the advice. Now he’s debuting in the welterweight division in a title match for Romero’s WBA welterweight world championship.

“I’m just going to keep going forward in my career,” Lopez said. “I’m so locked in on continuing to achieve bigger and better things one fight at a time. The fans can decide my legacy when it’s all over.

“I think Rolly’s skills are underappreciated. He controls the pace and makes it his fight, everyone overlooks that. But he’s not underrated on the stature side. He’s a world champion for a reason.”