Rolando “Rolly” Romero and Teofimo Lopez will likely bring strong emotions into the ring on November 11. These two fighters share a longstanding history that dates back to early professional years of sparring together before either one had won world titles; their relationship often includes genuine support during difficult moments in either’s careers.
Romero expressed his thanks and acknowledged Lopez’ assistance during a press event recently, showing their mutual admiration.
“I got to say thank you, dude, too. I mean, bro, you helped me out a lot. And you know how you owe me out a lot,” Romero said, addressing Lopez directly.
When asked to elaborate, Romero shared a candid memory.
“I remember after he beat Nakatani, I was in a bad place financially,” Romero explained. “Teo gave me 5K out of nowhere. He just calls me randomly, like, ‘How you doing?’ and then he just sends me 5K. That money did so much for me. I really can’t say anything bad.”
This heartfelt exchange took place at the official launch press conference for their upcoming fight on July 9 in Los Angeles. It was the first time the two had come face to face while promoting a bout marked more by mutual respect than the usual pre-fight hostility. On August 22, they will battle over twelve rounds at T-Mobile Arena. The fight will be broadcast on streaming platforms with Romero defending his WBA welterweight title in his first match since winning it.
Romero didn’t go into detail about the cause of his financial difficulties, but his early career path provides some context. Before turning to boxing, he trained in judo for several years and started boxing around age 16. His talent and power caught the attention of Floyd Mayweather, who signed him to Mayweather Promotions in late 2016. Although Romero built an impressive winning streak, many of those early fights went untelevised and paid modestly, making it tough to cover the real expenses associated with pursuing a world title.
In contrast, Lopez was already earning significant purses at that point in his own career.
Parallel Journeys of Rolly Romero and Teofimo Lopez
Both fighters turned professional around the same time, but Lopez advanced quickly, securing regional titles that earned him a shot at the IBF lightweight championship in 2019. Prior to that title fight, Lopez defeated Japan’s then-undefeated contender Masayoshi Nakatani in a bout reportedly worth $250,000—a payday linked to the $5,000 gift he later gave Romero during his tough financial period.
That timely gesture came at a pivotal moment for Romero. Not long after, he scored a second-round TKO over Arturs Ahmetovs followed by a victory against Jackson Maríñez, capturing the vacant WBA interim lightweight title. Two years later, Romero faced stablemate Gervonta Davis for the WBA regular lightweight title.
Boxing history has seen many examples where fierce rivals outside the ring formed lasting friendships. One famous case involved Joe Louis and Max Schmeling, whose friendship endured even through Louis’s financial troubles and health issues later in life. Schmeling, having become a successful businessman, quietly supported Louis by paying medical bills and helping with funeral expenses.
Romero and Lopez share an unmatched narrative. Should their friendship continue beyond August 22’s fight, it may mark a first for two fighters – they may become one of the only teams ever to support each other through hardships prior to ever entering a ring together!
Stakes in their fight are high: the victor will likely need to defend his title quickly after August 22 with another mandatory challenger likely being announced before mid-November or risk vacating it altogether. Given their individual histories and the pressure associated with title defense timelines, August 22 promises a bout where both outcomes could prove meaningful beyond just inside the ring.