Lopez Downplays Romero Friendship Before Title Fight

Teofimo Lopez has dismissed the idea that he and Rolly Romero share any real friendship ahead of their scheduled title fight.

Speaking to boxing media this week, Lopez responded to claims from Romero that he once loaned him $5,000 during tough times. The former unified lightweight champion corrected the record, saying he actually gave Romero $20,000 — $15,000 to cover a Rolex that Romero allegedly took from someone else, plus an additional $5,000 for Romero's sister, per Bad Left Hook.

Lopez Says They'll Settle Score After Bell Rings

When asked about fighting someone he considers close, Lopez shut down the premise. "Not a good friend, man," he said, according to the report. "I think a good friend is one that doesn't do it. Yeah, he took the fight, he was the champ, he is the champ. He didn't need to take the fight, he took the fight for his own reasons. So, we'll settle the score after."

Lopez also weighed in on the collapsed Devin Haney versus Keyshawn Davis matchup, suggesting Davis may be dealing with promotional issues at Top Rank. Lopez cited his own past disputes with the promoter as reason to believe that could be the source of the problem.

The Lopez-Romero title fight has not yet been formally announced with a date or venue.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — ‘We’ll settle the score after’: Teofimo Lopez downplays friendship with Rolly Romero