Romero On Lopez After $5K Gift Years Ago

Rolly Romero called Teofimo Lopez his little brother ahead of their August 22 welterweight title fight, then revealed Lopez once handed him five grand when he needed it most.

The WBA champion sat down with Lopez for an interview posted by Bad Left Hook, where the two former sparring partners discussed their friendship and the upcoming clash. Romero said Lopez sent him the money after beating Nakatani, at a point when Romero was in a rough spot financially. "He just calls me randomly…out of nowhere he just sends me $5k. That money did so much for me. I can't really say anything bad, you know," Romero said.

What The Fight Means For Both Welterweights

Lopez thanked Romero for the title shot and warned fans not to underestimate the champion. He remembered Romero as someone who does not quit and praised his opponent's inside game. Lopez also framed the bout as proof that fighters can maintain friendships and still handle business when the bell rings.

Romero dismissed concerns about fighting a friend, saying a boxing match is different from a sparring session and that the result will come down to fate. He also called the bout a legacy fight for both men and said a win would cement his own Hall of Fame case.

When asked about the collapsed Devin Haney negotiation, Romero said his team sent a lucrative offer that Haney's side stalled for a month before claiming Romero had priced himself out. Lopez weighed in on Romero's loss to Shakur Stevenson, saying Romero should never have been at that weight and belongs at welterweight.

The two square off August 22 with Romero's WBA strap on the line.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — ‘He’s like my little brother’: Rolly Romero and Teofimo Lopez discuss personal relationship ahead of title fight