Boxing

'Underrated' Romero tipped to top Lopez by ex-rival Taylor

DAZN

21, Aug

Romero vs Lopez: DAZN PPV & Prime Video - Saturday

Rolando Romero could upset pre-bout expectations and deny Teofimo Lopez, believes ex-undisputed champion Josh Taylor.

The duo meet on Saturday at the T-Mobile Arena for the WBA welterweight title, live on DAZN Pay-Per-View and Prime Video.

Lopez is eyeing three-weight champion status, and famously earned his WBO light-welterweight glory against Taylor in 2023.

But speaking with the Daily Mail, 'The Tornado' has backed Romero instead to emerge victorious despite a defeat to his rival.

"I actually probably favour Rolly going into this, rather than Teo," he mulled on the duo's impending showdown this weekend.

"He punches quite hard and I think his boxing skills are underrated. [It] sounds stupid, because [Lopez] ended up beating me.

"But I felt, with Teo, he was quite easy to time. It became a little bit predictable [and] his concentration levels aren’t the best."

Taylor announced his retirement last July following a defeat against Ekow Essuman, on medical advice after an eye injury.

Can Romero relish underdog tag?

Rolly Romero arrives for a second straight bout this weekend where he is the nominal outsider to come away with the goods.

Plenty will remember the narrative talk that surrounded the star's bout last year with Ryan Garcia and his chances for victory.

Fight fans will remember how that went down - and perhaps it will give a few of them pause before writing him once again.

Teofimo Lopez is no mug, of course, with a multi-weight pedigree and tenacious instinct that has helped him topple his foes.

Yet Romero will not be fazed by his status and reputation, even as WBA welterweight champion. He still has it all to gain too.

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.