The private history between Teofimo Lopez Jr. and Rolly Romero spilled into the open Thursday when Teofimo Lopez Sr. accused the WBA welterweight champion of pretending to be their friend before the 2 meet for Romero’s title on August 22.
The exchange erupted in the course of the kickoff press conference after Lopez Sr. reflected on Romero encouraging him to maneuver his son as much as 147 kilos following Teofimo’s loss to Shakur Stevenson. He then shifted his attention on to Romero.
“You was never our friend,” Teofimo Sr. said to Rolly. “No one knew who the [expletive] you was. And also you got here and commenced cloud chasing on my son.”
Lopez Sr. continued, claiming Romero stopped chatting with the family after joining Gervonta Davis’ camp.
“You never even talked to us again. That’s why I hit you within the chest the last time I seen you. You’re a fake.”
Rolly repeatedly tried to interrupt, telling Lopez Sr. to let him speak before eventually responding with a much calmer tone.
“Junior, you already know I even have a lot love for you,” Rolly said before later adding, “Me and Teo ain’t friends. He’s my little brother.”
The verbal exchange highlighted the non-public history between the 2 camps, which incorporates years of sparring sessions and a relationship that each side now view very otherwise.
Despite the heated back-and-forth, each fighters acknowledged the rivalry would ultimately be settled within the ring. Teofimo Jr. said the time had come for them to face one another, while Rolly thanked Lopez and his father for accepting the fight after months of trying to find an opponent.
The winner of the August 22 bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will leave with the WBA welterweight title, while Teofimo will even have the prospect to turn into a three-division world champion.
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Last Updated on 2026/07/10 at 4:15 AM