Rolando "Rolly" Romero will make his first defense of the WBA welterweight title against former two-weight world champion Teofimo Lopez at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, Aug. 22.
Romero, with
a record of 17-2 and the early favorite in the odds, returns to the ring after a year-and-a-half break. He bounced back from a loss to Isaac Cruz in March 2024 with back-to-back victories: first, a win over Manuel Jaimes in September 2024, and then a career-defining triumph against Ryan Garcia in May 2025. That fight, held before a sellout crowd at Times Square in New York City, saw Romero claim the WBA welterweight belt.
Lopez, with a record of 22-2, 13 wins coming by knockout, will be making his debut at 147 pounds. He is seeking a victory after suffering a unanimous decision loss to Shakur Stevenson in January, which saw him relinquish the WBO super lightweight title.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the showdown between Rolando "Rolly" Romero and Teofimo Lopez.
When is Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez?
Rolando "Rolly" Romero will face Teofimo Lopez on Saturday, Aug. 22, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Fans can watch the fight on DAZN PPV and Amazon Prime Video PPV for $79.99.
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 22
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Romero vs. Lopez main event ringwalks (approx): 11 p.m. ET
- Stream: DAZN PPV and Amazon Prime PPV
- Location: T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez odds
Odds according to BetMGM, as of 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 21.
- Rolando Romero: +220
- Teofimo Lopez Jr.: -250
- Tie: +1400
Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez predictions
BetMGM: A decision win for Romero
Anatoly Pimentel writes: "A decision win for Romero over Lopez Jr. is my prediction because he’s going to be the heavier puncher and will likely land more power shots throughout the fight. Even though Lopez Jr. will hold the advantage in the speed category. Lopez Jr. hasn’t fought in the welterweight division, and I think he’ll be surprised by the power that Romero will bring into the match. We shall see whether moving up to the 147-pound division will benefit Lopez Jr., because I think his power has diminished since he moved up to the super lightweight division."
ESPN: Lean towards Lopez
Andres Ferrari writes: "It's a tough call, man. Either one of them could win the fight. I would lean toward Lopez's boxing skills, but if Romero can hurt him early like he hurt Ryan Garcia, who knows? We've got to see what Lopez has in the tank. If I had to pick one, I'd probably lean towards Lopez's boxing skills."
Boxing News Online: James Toney picks Romero
James Toney: "I like both fighters. I know Teo’s going up [in weight] – it should be a good fight – but I think Rolly’s shown he’s come on a lot. Rolly is rolling. He’s too big, too strong.”
Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez fight card
Fight card according to DAZN:
- Rolando Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez; For Romero's WBA world welterweight title
- Yoenli Hernandez vs. Francisco Daniel Veron; Middleweight
- Victor Santillan vs. Gary Antonio Russell; Super bantamweight
- Carlos Utria vs. Israel Mercado; Super lightweight
- Marco Romero vs. TBA; Middleweight
- Aldo Blancas vs. Ricky Mamone; Super lightweight
- Joseph Brown vs. TBA; Super welterweight
- Benjamin Johnson vs. Jose Gabriel Rodriguez; Welterweight
- Jordan Roach vs. TBA; Super flyweight
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez: Predictions, odds, how to watch
