WBA welterweight champion Rolando Romero says his friendship with Teofimo Lopez will have no impact when they meet on August 22 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Romero and Lopez have known each other for years, shared sparring sessions and remain friendly outside the ring.
“Yeah, we’re friends and we know each other’s families,” Romero said. “But none of that matters on August 22.”
Romero enters after upsetting Ryan Garcia by unanimous decision to win the WBA welterweight title. The fight with Lopez will be his first defence.
“I’m looking to be a Hall of Famer, just like Teofimo is,” Romero said. “The only way to do that is to go through each other.”
The card will also feature Yoenli Hernandez against Francisco Daniel Veron, Victor Santillan against Antonio Russell and Carlos Utria against Israel Mercado.
Image Credit: ESPN