Rolly Romero prepares for title defense against Teofimo Lopez this Saturday
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 20, 2026, 12:30 AM
Last updated Aug 20, 2026
Rolly Romero defends his WBA title against Teofimo Lopez at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday. Romero last fought in May 2025, upsetting Ryan Garcia to win the title. The fighters, who are friends and have sparred together multiple times, face the unique challenge of competing against each other. Romero expressed concern about the fight being against someone he cares for and his struggles leading up to the Garcia bout, noting a previous 'dark place' in his life.
- •Romero and Lopez face off on August 20 in Las Vegas.
- •Romero won the WBA title by defeating Ryan Garcia in May 2025.
- •Both fighters have a history of sparring together since 2015.
- •Romero had not fought since winning the title due to opponents avoiding him.
- 12:30 AMYahoo Sports — Rolly Romero opens up on 'dark place' before Ryan Garcia upset, says boxing 'almost tore me apart'
"Romero enters Saturday's WBA title defense against friend Teofimo Lopez as a man worlds removed from the one who stepped into Times Square to face Ryan Garcia last year.
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