Mikey Garcia backs Rolly Romero for Teofimo Lopez upset fight

Mikey Garcia believes Rolly Romero has a strong chance of defeating Teofimo Lopez on Saturday night, pointing to Lopez’s decline since his 135-pound and early 140-pound campaigns. Garcia’s view is based on the difference between Lopez’s best performances and what he has produced more recently.

Lopez’s victories over Vasiliy Lomachenko at lightweight and Josh Taylor at light welterweight came when his movement, accuracy and combination punching were at their sharpest. Garcia does not expect a move to welterweight to restore those qualities automatically.

Garcia also suggested that Lopez may no longer possess the same level of commitment that drove him earlier in his career. Major victories, greater success and bigger purses can affect a fighter’s urgency, while competing at a higher weight removes some of the pressure associated with making a lower limit. He said Lopez has not recently looked like the fighter who beat Lomachenko and Taylor.

Romero’s recent development has strengthened Garcia’s case. In his fight with Ryan Garcia, Romero showed more patience than in previous appearances. He scored a knockdown but did not rush recklessly after it, maintaining his shape instead of opening himself to unnecessary danger.

That approach could give Romero a route into the fight. Lopez has found it difficult against opponents who refuse to take the initiative and deny him clear counterpunching chances. If Romero remains disciplined and does not force exchanges, Lopez could spend extended periods waiting for openings rather than doing enough work to secure rounds.

Garcia still regards Lopez as the more technically gifted boxer, but he sees the contest as close and has moved slightly toward Romero because of Lopez’s recent displays. Isolated counters may not be sufficient if Romero keeps working while Lopez waits for ideal opportunities. In that situation, Garcia believes Romero could edge the decision.