Bloodied Teofimo Lopez overcomes horror cut to BEAT Rolly Romero and win WBA welterweight world title

BLOODIED Teofimo Lopez beat Rolly Romero to win the WBA welterweight world title – in time to celebrate with his newborn. Lopez, who is expecting his second child, was left covered in claret from his right eye but jabbed and moved his way to a majority decision in Las Vegas. Teofimo Lopez beat Rolly Romero to win the WBA welterweight world title Credit: Getty Lopez was left cut from his eye Credit: Getty The scorecards were bizarrely close with Romero only really threatening with a big right hand in the fifth round. Lopez will now celebrate becoming a three-weight world champ with some time off as he prepares to add to his family. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Watch the latest SunSport video series “I’ll be honest, guys, I got a baby on the way. I just wanna take some father time,” the soon-to-be dad-of-two said. “I’m kind of tired. I need some rest. We’ll talk about what’s next after this. “But right now I just think I just need a moment to feel like all of you guys, like a human.” Lopez, 29, was back for the first time since a dominating loss to Shakur Stevenson, also 29, in January. But he moved up from 140lb to 147lb to take on former sparring partner Romero, 30, who was also returning after 15 months out of the ring. Lopez cruised past the first four rounds with just his jab alone as Romero decided to box on the back foot while looking for one big shot. Most read in Sport That did come in round five when a right hand rocked Lopez – forcing him to nearly touch down. But the challenger composed himself in the sixth to get the bout back under control. The Home of Boxing in 2026 There's a massive year of boxing ahead! It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster year of action inside the boxing ring. The Gypsy King has beaten Mariusz Wach in his second fight of the year to set up a huge fight with Anthony Joshua And AJ did the same, knocking out Kristian Prenga in the second round of a thrilling encounter – the Brit was knocked down twice in the opening round. Now fans are looking forward to Moses Itauma’s return for his toughest fight yet against Filip Hrgovic in August. Here’s all the big fights coming up… August Sat 29 – Moses Itauma vs Filip Hrgovic – DAZN September Sat 12 – Conor Benn vs Ryan Garcia – DAZN *If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue. Up until the 12th, every round looked an almost carbon copy, with Lopez shooting jabs and body shots while Romero tried to counter with the left hook. Lopez cruised to what looked to be a one-sided victory but judge Glenn Feldman worryingly had it event at 114-114. Another judge had it close at 115-113 with the other going 116-112 in favour of Lopez, who was crowned WBA champion. Romero buzzed Lopez in round five Credit: AP Lopez’s jab was the difference Credit: AP He is now a three-weight world champ Credit: Getty But he was forced to deny being hurt in the fifth round. “No, I was just buzzed, honestly, I mean, maybe my legs said something different,” Lopez said with a smile. “But. I clinched on him so he wouldn’t throw him that much. We got the ring experience and I think that’s what’s helped me throughout this journey.” Romero spent over a year out of the ring after beating Ryan Garcia, 28, following a mental health battle. And he continued to be in no mood to talk even after defeat to Lopez. “I’d like to just thank my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for everything in my life that I’ve got to enjoy. I will always be your faithful servant,” he said. Romero then stormed out of the ring as Lopez – who now wants to become undisputed champ – continued the jubilations with his team. Comment now