This Saturday night Rolando 'Rolly' Romero faces Teofimo Lopez from Las Vegas, Nevada at the T-Mobile Arena. Romero has been out of the ring for over a year, coming off an upset victory over Ryan Garcia. Lopez fought earlier this year in a losing effort to pound for pounder, Shakur Stevenson. Familiarity could play a sizable part with these two boxers having spent a lot of time together in the gym. This event will be available on Prime Video PPV and as part of the ultimate subscription on the DAZN app.
Say what you want about Rolly, and there's plenty to say, but Romero has a respectable resume in just 19 fights. Folks can talk about the Ismael Barroso debacle all they want. Let us not forget Rolly just beat Ryan Garcia. He also won rounds before getting clipped by Gervonta Davis. Not many folks gave Romero a chance when he defeated an unbeaten foe in Jackson Marinez. Rolly has a bit of an awkward style that can take a while to capitalize on.
Teofimo Lopez was a lineal champion at 135 and 140, as he looks to add another belt to his collection. Lopez had been on a 6 in a row winning streak before getting outclassed by the Shakur Stevenson. As the old saying goes, styles make fights, so we should see Teofimo have a lot more success in this outing. Teofimo will once again have his father in the corner as the main voice on fight night. Much of the boxing public believes Teofimo should make a change. To be fair, it may not matter as much given this matchup.
Lopez made a remark about his left arm being sore from the number of jabs he threw in training camp. This boxing podcaster thinks Lopez should use his jab until his arm falls off. Moving laterally and in spots, pushing Rolly back will be a key ingredient. Aiming the jab to the head, chest, and lower body will help keep Romero honest in his approach. If Teofimo Lopez can land counter punches and not stay in front of his opponent for too long of stretches, he should be victorious.
Can Rolando Romero get past the jab of Lopez? Also, can Rolly make this a rough and tumble scrap? The more Romero gets inside both distance and into Teo's head, the better it will be for the 147-pound titleholder. Punching with a free hand, being a pest, as Rolly walks on a slippery slope of foul play. Anything to distract Teofimo and make him address the referee will do the trick for Romero. Look for Rolly to win rounds until Lopez lands the cleaner punches.
Romero is a live dog sitting anywhere from +205 all the way up to +250. By decision for Rolly is +380 and +700 by stoppage. Teofimo Lopez –290 money line, Teo by decision –145, and by stoppage +410. If you like Rolly to pull off another upset, no sense getting greedy, just take the money line plus number. The best bet is –145 Teo by decision. You can always hedge it with a Teo knockout.
My Official Prediction is Teofimo Lopez by decision.
PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rope-a-dope-radio-podcast/id1794655742?i=1000784413014
Side Note: Keep an eye on the Rolly/Teofimo PPV undercard for Russell vs Santillian, Yoenli Hernandez returns and Liddard vs. Morello on DAZN.
Written by Chris Carlson Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Tunein. Deezer, Podchaser, Castbox & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio
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