Teofimo Lopez has weighed in with his prediction for the fight between Ryan Garcia and Rolando Romero.
‘Rolly’ will step through the ropes a significant underdog against a returning Garcia, who has been out of the ring for a year due to a doping suspension handed down by the New York State Athletic Commission.
The fight will be for the WBA Regular Welterweight belt and marks each man’s first effort in the 147 division. Few are predicting it go the distance either way, with over 80% of their combined wins coming by way of knockout.
Speaking to Little Giant Boxing, Lopez – who fights on the same bill defending his WBO Super-Lightweight World Title against Arnold Barboza – backed Garcia for the win, pointing to Romero’s past knockout losses and lack of activity as the deciding factor.
“I got Ryan. I got Ryan Garcia … He hasn’t been fighting [that often] and being stopped the way he was… I think he might be changing trainers, but even then…”
Lopez, however, did warn Garcia that ‘Rolly’s punches – the most powerful Gervonta Davis has felt – will be dangerous for however long it lasts.
“I think it’s a great match-up. Ryan needs to be careful with Rolly’s punching power. Rolly’s still got power, man, and definitely could do something to Ryan with those shots.”
Should Garcia win, and Devin Haney beat Jose Ramirez on the same card, the pair will be matched up for a second run-in after their controversial first contest last year.
