Antonio Tarver backs Teofimo Lopez over Rolly Romero at 147lb

Teofimo Lopez, 29, has moved up to 147 pounds for his fight with Rolly Romero, but former undisputed champion Antonio Tarver believes he has enough ability to win. Romero claimed the WBA’s regular welterweight title by defeating Ryan Garcia in May 2025 before being elevated to full champion status.

The fight is scheduled for T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with Romero set to make the first defence of his world title. Lopez enters as a slight favourite and is aiming to become a three-weight world champion.

Tarver’s selection of Lopez comes despite the American’s latest result. Lopez lost his WBO super-lightweight title to Shakur Stevenson by a one-sided points decision in January, leaving questions over which version of him will appear at welterweight.

Romero’s recent activity has also been limited. After beating Garcia, the champion was linked with potential fights against Devin Haney and Conor Benn, but spent more than a year out of action before agreeing to face Lopez.

Tarver believes Lopez’s route to an impressive performance will depend on maintaining a high work rate and throwing often. He expects Romero to look for opportunities during those exchanges, where the champion can attempt to use his power.

In Tarver’s assessment, Romero is unlikely to win by boxing Lopez over every round. He thinks Romero needs to hurt his opponent, score a knockdown or force a stoppage, while Lopez’s clearest path is a disciplined points victory. Tarver considers Lopez capable of meeting that challenge when he performs at his best.