Romero Says Boxing Dying Due To Fighter Overpayment

Rolando Romero believes boxing is killing itself by paying fighters too much money.

The former WBA junior welterweight titleholder told ESPN that the sport is in decline because purses have grown too large, and that his upcoming April clash with Teofimo Lopez is the type of matchup boxing needs to survive. Romero did not specify which fighters or purse levels he considers excessive.

Romero On What Boxing Needs

"Boxing is dying" because of overpayment, Romero said, per ESPN's report. He positioned his fight with Lopez as a counter-example — a competitive pairing that prioritizes entertainment value over guaranteed paydays.

Romero has not fought since losing his 140-pound title to Isaac Cruz in March 2024. Lopez holds the WBO belt at junior welterweight and last fought in October, stopping Jamaine Ortiz in nine rounds.

The Romero-Lopez fight does not yet have a confirmed date or venue. Both men are promoted by Top Rank and have been negotiating terms for several weeks, according to the ESPN story.

Reported via:

• ESPN Boxing — 'Rolly' Romero has a message for boxing: Stop paying fighters so much