Rolly Romero to Defend WBA Welterweight Title Against Teofimo Lopez on Aug. 22

Rolando “Rolly” Romero, the 30‑year‑old WBA super‑welterweight champion, will make his first title defense on Aug. 22 when he faces fellow welterweight Teofimo Lopez. The bout marks Romero’s inaugural defense since winning the belt in May 2025 with an upset over Ryan Garcia.

Outside the ring the two fighters describe a brotherly relationship. In a recent interview Romero thanked Lopez for a $5,000 cash gift he received in 2019 when Romero was financially struggling. Lopez, who moved up to welterweight after losing his lightweight titles to Shakur Stevenson, said the gesture was spontaneous. Both athletes say personal feelings will stay out of the ring as they each seek a statement victory to continue their championship trajectories.