Romero, Lopez, Liddard: Five things to look out for this week

The pair, longtime friends outside the ring, will bid to leave no stone unturned inside it as the former aims to defend his crown against the latter.

But the duo are not the only big names likely to generate column inches this week as a busy August slate rolls towards a grandstanding climax.

Here, DAZN News looks ahead to the week in boxing and picks out five key stories that it is worth keeping an eye on over the next seven days.

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Is world champion pressure on Moses Itauma?

Watch: Star provides the latest from his training camp

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Romero and Lopez ready for war

Close outside the ropes, there will be no love lost for as long as this title contest lasts down in Sin City between these two major names.

Inactive since shocking Ryan Garcia, champion Romero is determined to add another flagship name to his resume at the T-Mobile Arena.

But Lopez, last out in a decision loss to Shakur Stevenson back in January, will be determined to conquer a new frontier with this clash.

Liddard eyes European glory

Back across the Atlantic Ocean, George Liddard will hope he can bridge his middleweight credentials with European glory in London.

The Lonsdale Belt champion returns five months on from defeating Tyler Denny for his bout against Dario Morello with plenty at stake.

Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing

A win at the Copper Box Arena will further enhance Liddard's growing reputation, and potentially secure him a world-level test next year.

Ortiz eyes November return

Inactive since last year thanks to a legal stoush with Golden Boy Promotions, Vergil Ortiz Jr. is finally back on the road towards a return.

The star is targeting a November dance, either at super welterweight or with a move up to middleweight as he pursues a belt of his own.

That could well be teased further this week, with the star unlikely to sit on his likely options in silence for too long as he plots more glory.

Fury-Joshua news awaits?

If it feels like a familiar tune by now, then maybe this is finally the week that matters come to a head for the sport's longest soap opera.

Mark Robinson/Getty Images

By all accounts, most powerbrokers have Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua on-course for a dance in New York City in the final act of 2026.

But not everybody is aligned, including reportedly 'AJ' himself and promoter Eddie Hearn. Fans will hope clarity is imminent - yet again.

Is Benavidez ready for move?

David Benavidez looked in the frame at one point to take a cruiserweight unification bout with WBC champion Noel Mikaelian next up.

But the star now appears set on Michal Cieślak, the governing body's interim holder, with the latter set to face Jai Opetaia next month.

It comes amid suggestions the WBC could yet strip Mikaelian too, following suggestions he failed to agree terms with Benavidez instead.

Moses vs. Hrgovic - exclusively on DAZN PPV

Watch Moses Itauma take the next step in his unstoppable career against Filip Hrgovic on Saturday, August 29, only on DAZN.

Buy as a one-off PPV or included along with Romero vs. Lopez (Aug 22) and Canelo vs. Mbilli (Oct) PPVs with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.

For more information, pricing and to buy, click here .