Lopez Claims Third Title in Majority Decision, Sets Sights on Garcia-Benn Winner

Key points

• Lopez won the WBA welterweight title by majority decision (116-112, 115-113, 114-114) against Rolando Romero at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on August 22, 2026.
• Lopez, 29, became a three-division champion after previously holding titles at lightweight and light-welterweight. His record improved to 23-2.
• Romero, 30, suffered his third loss in 20 fights and disputed the result, claiming he was never in trouble and demanding a rematch.
• Lopez faced a significant cut above his right eye and was rocked by a right hand in the fifth round but recovered to control the later rounds.
• Lopez declined to call out WBA 'Regular' champion Jack Catterall, instead targeting the winner of the September 12 Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn fight or IBF champion Liam Paro.

Background

Lopez had lost his WBO light-welterweight title to Shakur Stevenson in January 2026, a defeat he described as a necessary realignment with his father and trainer. This bout was his first fight since that loss. Romero had previously won the WBA welterweight title by defeating Ryan Garcia in New York and had defended it once before this bout.

How outlets are covering it

BBC and The Guardian highlighted the controversial 114-114 draw card and Romero's immediate demand for a rematch, noting he felt he was never in trouble. Bad Left Hook emphasized Lopez's resilience and his gratitude to Top Rank matchmakers for his ring experience. CBS Sports provided background on Lopez's mental struggles and Romero's reliance on power over technical skill, predicting an easy win for Lopez based on their contrasting styles. All outlets agreed on the majority decision outcome and Lopez's status as a three-division champion.

Why it matters

Lopez's victory solidifies his position as a top contender in the welterweight division and sets up a potential unification bout with either the winner of the Garcia-Benn fight or Liam Paro. The result also raises questions about the WBA's mandatory challenger rules, as Jack Catterall holds the 'Regular' belt but was bypassed for a unification opportunity.

What to watch

Lopez plans to take time off for the birth of his child before deciding on his next opponent. He has expressed interest in fighting the winner of the Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn bout scheduled for September 12, or potentially facing WBO champion Devin Haney later in the year. Romero has requested a rematch, though the WBA may prioritize a unification bout.