Lopez Tells Romero 'I'm Coming Back With A Vengeance'

Teofimo Lopez tore into Rolly Romero at Wednesday's final press conference before Saturday's welterweight title fight, dismissing his opponent as an interim champion who has never belonged in his class.

Lopez, the former undisputed lightweight champion, took issue with Romero's casual demeanor and told reporters the fight represents a personal reckoning. "To me, he's an interim champion," Lopez said, per Bad Left Hook. "He's never been an actual super champion or any world champion, he's been elevated. And I think some people forget that this guy's not in my league."

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The exchange grew heated when Romero mocked Lopez for considering reconstructive facial surgery and compared his posturing to his buildup with Gervonta Davis. Lopez shot back by listing his résumé — notably his 2020 upset of Vasiliy Lomachenko when the Ukrainian was rated the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport. "I beat Lomachenko when nobody wanted to fight Lomachenko," Lopez said. "You came afterwards and congratulated me. All you guys are fans. I'm fighting my fans fight now."

Lopez then accused Romero of duplicity, calling him "my Judas" for privately resenting him while publicly offering support. Romero stood up from his seat and gestured at Lopez, denying the charge. "I never hated on you," Romero said. "I've been the only boxer to support you."

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Lopez Sr closed the session by warning Romero that his son thrives when cornered. He referenced the January loss to Shakur Stevenson — a decision Lopez believes was orchestrated to break him mentally — and promised payback. "I'm coming back with a vengeance, and I mean that," Lopez Jr said. The welterweight clash takes place Saturday night.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — ‘I’m coming back with a vengeance’: Teofimo Lopez and Rolly Romero press conference gets tense