Lopez Turns Down Romero's Rematch Request

Teofimo Lopez has no interest in an immediate rematch with Rolando Romero after claiming his WBA welterweight title by majority decision.

Lopez used the post-fight press conference to shut down talk of a second fight, pointing instead to the Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn winner as his preferred next step, ahead of eventual clashes with WBC champion Devin Haney and IBF titleholder Liam Paro.

Romero argues the judges got it wrong, pointing to a cut he opened above Lopez's eye and moments where he hurt his opponent.

"I never get a fair shake, and it's apparent. I clearly outboxed him. I cut him. I hurt him multiple times. It's clear as day, I deserve a rematch. Honestly, that decision was self-explanatory," Romero

Lopez did take damage — a cut over his right eye, a fifth-round left hook that wobbled him, and a looping right hand that landed clean, with his knees buckling again later in the fight. But those flashes weren't enough to offset long stretches of inactivity from Romero, who often waited for counters while Lopez worked behind his jab and to the body. Scores read 114-114, 115-113 and 116-112.

With no rematch clause in place, Romero has no way to force a second fight. Garcia, Benn, Haney and Paro all represent bigger opportunities for Lopez, leaving Romero's case resting on little more than the argument that he deserves the same chance he gave the new champion.