“Boxing is boxing. There’s so much bigger things in life than boxing. Boxing is just a moment,” Romero said to YSM Sports Media. “It’s a moment where he’s going to feed his family. I’m going to feed my family, where I’m gonna be able to achieve my legacy, and he’ll be able to achieve whatever his legacy he wants to achieve.”

Rolly does not believe friendship requires either fighter to manufacture hostility before they exchange punches.

“There’s obviously no enemies, no nothing here. I mean, clearly you could tell. You could clearly see this is a boxing fight for our legacy,” said Rolly.

The absence of personal animosity creates an unusual dynamic for Romero. His colorful personality has often been part of the promotion, particularly when an opponent has been willing to exchange insults with him.

That element is missing against Teofimo. The WBA belt gives Romero something to protect, while Lopez has an opportunity to capture a championship after moving up to welterweight.

Romero’s position is simple. Whatever friendship exists outside the ropes will have no bearing on how they fight once the opening bell rings. When the contest is finished, they can return to being friends.