Teofimo Lopez became a three-division world champion Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena, overcoming a fifth-round cut to dethrone WBA welterweight titleholder Rolando “Rolly” Romero via majority decision with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 114-114.
LAS VEGAS — Teofimo Lopez conquered a third weight division on Saturday night, capturing the WBA welterweight championship with a gritty majority decision win against Rolando “Rolly” Romero at T-Mobile Arena. Two judges scored the contest 116-112 and 115-113 for Lopez, while the third rendered a 114-114 draw.
The former lightweight and junior welterweight kingpin survived early turbulence when Romero unleashed a sudden left hook in the fifth frame. The strike visibly shook the challenger and opened a cut over his right eye. Undeterred by the blood, Lopez calibrated his strategy, utilizing sustained front-foot pressure, crisp jab variations, and calculated rib attacks to blunt the champion’s momentum through the second half of the bout.
The victory validates an ambitious leap for Lopez, who bypassed tune-up contests after losing his junior welterweight crown to Shakur Stevenson. Stepping into the 147-pound division for the first time, the 29-year-old Brooklyn native proved his hand velocity and movement could effectively carry into a heavier weight class.
Romero, entering his initial title defense following a 15-month layoff after defeating Ryan Garcia, displayed sharp counterpunching early but faded under relentless pressure. Lopez neutralized Romero’s dangerous right hand by smothering distance and forcing exchanges that favored his technical skill set.
By claiming a world title in his third weight class, Lopez adds another historic milestone to his championship resume while establishing himself as an immediate force in the welterweight division.
