![]() The undisputed lightweight champion DevinHaney Ryan Garcia has called for a fight with Romero, but next up for Romero could be a mandatory defense against O’Hara Davies, whom Romero would most like to defeat. Romero is entertaining, but he’s clearly considered the weakest of the four champions, and there are fighters weighing the risk/reward factor and chewing on the matter here. But there’s no doubt Romero can sell a fight, as evidenced by his promotion to Gervonta Davis last year. Romero’s TKO win over Ismael Barroso in May was controversial, and the newly crowned WBA champion failed to impress. Rolando “Rolly” Romero Rolando Romero (left) defeated Ismael Barroso in May to win the vacant WBA junior welterweight title. Matias will defend his IBF title for the first time on August 26 when he meets former champion Sergey Lipinets in what looks like a slugfest on paper. He has shown exceptional stamina on his way to the top, routinely hitting 100+ punches per round towards the end of fights, with plenty of bite. Matias is there to attack, but opponents couldn’t absorb his power and performance. He’s a violent puncher with power in both hands and always comes forward. Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty ImagesĪ bulky machine from Puerto Rico, Matias has quickly earned a reputation as one of the sport’s finest action fighters. Subriel Matias Subriel Matias (left) has the power in both hands and with it the IBF junior welterweight title. The action was the first of Prograis’ three-fights with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, and Haney’s father, Bill, was ringside in New Orleans to watch the fight.ĭevin Haney said weeks ago he contacted Hearn to express interest in fighting for Prograis’ WBC title in his 140-pound debut, a fight that appears to be shortlisted for the lightweight king. The challenger was choosy as he struck from the outside, but in the closing moments of Round 1 he seemed to smash Prograis at lightning speed, which the referee overlooked and called a slip. “Rougarou” wasn’t as explosive as usual – he knocked his opponent down in Round 3 – but Zorrilla didn’t intervene much, content to keep the distance and play spoilers. Prograis settled for a split decision in the first defense of his second title reign, a win over late substitute Danielito Zorrilla on Saturday. The titleholders Regis Prograis Regis Prograis (right) retained his 140-pound belt with a decision over Danielito Zorrilla on June 17. If he continues to fight as expected, the natural duel is against Haney, the undisputed lightweight champion who clinched a razor-thin victory over Lomachenko in May. Lopez showed his strength ranged from lightweight to junior welterweight against Taylor, which was a question mark after the controversial win over Sandor Martin in his second fight in the division in December.Īfter the Taylor fight, Lopez said he would retire, but he’s only 25 and that’s boxing. Lopez was then angered by George Kambosos Jr before causing a stir himself with the performance against Taylor. He feuded with Masayoshi Nakatani before dethroning Vasiliy Lomachenko. Lopez is an exceptional talent and always seems to be fighting his way up to the level of his competition. Mikey Williams/Top Rank Inc via Getty Images Teofimo Lopez (left) defeated Josh Taylor on June 10 in New York to win the WBO junior welterweight title. Here’s a look at the top 140lb fighters and some interesting matchups between them. How does the division fare after Lopez’s win, Taylor’s downfall to 147lbs and Regis Prograis’ lackluster win on Saturday? With four defending champions in the same weight class, there’s plenty of talent to make it one of the best divisions in boxing. Ryan Garcia will now also compete at junior welterweight, one of many contenders wanting a shot at one of the division’s four defending champions. His victory provided some much-needed excitement in the Deep division and the imminent arrival of lightweight king Devin Haney will add even more star power to the 140lb. Sure, Lopez has requested his retirement, but he still holds the WBO title (he hasn’t officially relinquished it) and is the man to beat at junior welterweight for the time being. Lopez hasn’t just passed Taylor – he’s injured him multiple times and proved very strong on the inside against the bigger fighter. Lopez’s first two fights in his new league were disappointing (a TKO against Pedro Campa and a split decision against Sandor Martin, both in 2022), but with the win he cleared all doubts about his ability to clean up in a second division Elite level to compete over Taylor. ![]() a decision over previously undefeated Josh Taylor to capture the WBO belt and straight-line 140-pound championship. announced his arrival at junior welterweight on June 10 with a sensational performance. Former unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez Jr.
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