Rolando Romero will end a 15-month layoff, making his first WBA welterweight title defense against former two-weight world champion Teofimo Lopez on August 22, The Ring has learned.
Rolando “Rolly” Romero was said to be entertaining a tune-up fight for his first title defense, though plans have changed since.
Jack Catterall, who won the WBA secondary title with a career-best points win over Shakhram Giyasov last month, has been vocal in looking to secure what Giyasov couldn’t. Now, it appears the Briton will have to play the waiting game too as Romero opts for a more lucrative opportunity, rather than face his mandatory challenger.
Teofimo Lopez, who lost the Ring and WBO junior welterweight straps against Shakur Stevenson on January 31, had teased another move up in weight after an inconsistent divisional stint.
While tempted, the 28-year-old rejected the IBF’s request for him to accept a world title shot against Lindolfo Delgado (24-0, 16 KOs) after Richardson Hitchins vacated the belt, signing a multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing.
Delgado has now been ordered to face Arthur Biyarslanov (21-0, 17 KOs) for the title, with an update on proceedings expected shortly.
Lopez’s manager, Keith Connolly, said a big decision was forthcoming earlier this week and here it is: another world title shot and chance to become three-division titleholder awaits.
Sam Gordon of The Las Vegas Review-Journal was first to report Romero-Lopez were finalizing terms on Monday.
Romero (17-2, 13 KOs) hasn’t boxed since his surprise 12-round points win over Ryan Garcia in May 2025.
The latter now holds the WBC 147-pound title, while Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs) made seven appearances at 140 pounds since moving up following his stunning 12-round split decision defeat by George Kambosos in November 2021.
Source: ringmagazine.com