Having lost a unanimous decision to Teofimo Lopez in 2023, Josh Taylor has considered how his former foe will fare against Rolando Romero this weekend.
The two Americans are approaching their showdown at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, with ‘Rolly’ making a first defence of his WBA world welterweight title.
He claimed the sanctioning body’s regular belt in May 2025, pulling off a sizable upset to drop and unanimously outpoint Ryan Garcia.
Since then, the 30-year-old has remained out the ring but now holds the full WBA title, while Lopez looks to become a three-division world champion.
‘The Takeover’ comes off a wide points defeat to Shakur Stevenson in January, losing the WBO super-lightweight title he had claimed by dethroning Taylor.
Back then, it was a scintillating performance that saw Lopez outshine the former undisputed king, who later revealed that he had been forced to contend with several injuries.
Still, while giving Lopez full credit for his victory, Taylor wonders whether his predictability and lapses in concentration could result in an unsuccessful 147lb debut.
Speaking with Daily Mail Boxing, the Scotsman also highlighted Romero’s power as a key advantage over his 29-year-old opponent.
“I actually probably favour Rolly going into this, rather than Teo. I think he punches quite hard and I think his boxing skills are kind of underrated.
“I know this sounds stupid, because he ended up beating me … but I just felt, with Teo, that he was quite easy to time. It became a little bit predictable [and] his concentration levels aren’t the best.”
While Romero – a betting underdog despite being the reigning champion – may boast advantages in size and strength, Lopez is undoubtedly the more decorated fighter, having previously become the lineal champion at both 135 and 140lbs.
