LAS VEGAS -- Teofimo Lopez became a three-division world champion Saturday night, capturing the WBA welterweight title over former friend and sparring partner Rolando "Rolly" Romero at the T-Mobile Arena. In his welterweight debut, Lopez (23-2, 13 KOs) earned a majority decision, with scores of 115-113, 116-112, and a 114-114 draw. The victory marked an impressive bounce-back after Lopez's lopsided loss to Shakur Stevenson in January.

"I need to tell you guys, if you lose and you come back, then you never lost because you're a winner," Lopez said. "I'm a true example of what winning is."

Romero (17-3, 13 KOs), making his first defense since upsetting Ryan Garcia in May 2025, struggled with Lopez's pace and timing. Compubox showed Lopez landing 124 of 530 punches to Romero's 73 of 352, including just two in the final round. Romero, a Las Vegas native, called the decision a robbery, claiming he was barely grazed.

Lopez, 29, now eyes potential unification bouts against WBO champion Devin Haney, the Garcia-Conor Benn winner, or IBF champion Liam Paro. WBA mandatory challenger Jack Catterall awaits.