Teofimo Lopez admits he has to do whatever it takes against Rolly Romero to prove he still has it

Put up or shut up - Rolly Romero vs Teofimo Lopez media workout quotes

“You don’t want to miss the Rolly show. This is the moment for me to make my legacy” – Rolly Romero

“It’s put up or shut up at this point… I’m ready to do whatever it takes” – Teofimo Lopez

Romero and Lopez meet Saturday night in a battle between two of this generation’s most compelling stars. Each enters the ring in the prime of their career, with Romero looking to add a second signature victory to his ledger after beating Ryan Garcia in 2025, while Lopez can become a three-division champion by wresting the title away.

Wednesday’s workout also featured fighters competing on the pay-per-view undercard, including unbeaten rising middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez and Argentine slugger Francisco Daniel Veron, who meet in the 10-round co-main event, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan and top contender Gary Antonio Russell, who duel in a 12-round attraction, and super lightweight contender Israel Mercado, who opens the PPV card at 8pm ET/5pm PT facing sensational prospect Carlos Utria.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday from MGM Grand:

ROLLY ROMERO

“I’ve been out of the ring for a minute, but I’m happy to be back on Saturday night. You don’t want to miss the Rolly show. This is the moment for me to make my legacy. 

“We’re two completely different fighters than when we sparred together. You’re gonna see what we’re capable of now when that bell rings.

“I’m the one who tries to make all the big fights. Nobody wanted to fight me, for whatever reason. I think everyone knows the real reason. I’m finally at my natural weight.

“I’ve grown up. I’m 30-years-old now. I got some clout and made some money when I was young. Now I’ve changed. I became a better man.

“I was doing Teofimo a favour when we sparred, I was getting him ready for his pro debut. I didn’t even have a fight. But none of that matters now. We’re gonna see on August 22.”

TEOFIMO LOPEZ

“We’re here to make great fights. We want to fight the best of the best and give everyone a great show.

“I just want to put on a good show and entertain all the fans. That’s what they deserve. I want to inspire the next generation.

“This is Teofimo Lopez coming back. I’m ready for this fight. It’s put up or shut up at this point. They wanna see if I still have it. I’m ready to do whatever it takes.

“This is my road to undisputed at welterweight. It starts August 22. I see myself with my hand raised. Nothing but victory.”

YOENLI HERNANDEZ

“This is the time to put up or shut up. If he doesn’t wanna stand on what he’s said about my style, he’ll have to pay in the ring.

“I’m super motivated for this fight. It’s one thing to call the devil, but it’s another thing when he arrives.

“I fear nothing and I’m ready to go after everything. I respect everyone, but I know what I’m capable of.

“You’re not only gonna see what I’m made of, but I’m gonna humble Veron. He’s been talking trash and now he’s gonna see what happens.”

FRANCISCO DANIEL VERON

“I’m glad to have this opportunity. I’m going to give the best of myself and represent Argentina with pride. You can expect to see me at my best

“His reach and height will not affect me. He’s a little bulkier than me, but it can work against him. I feel that I might be able to use speed to my advantage.

“Everyone is gonna see what I bring. I have a lot of courage. Argentinian boxers are among the best in the world and I’m coming to prove it.”

VICTOR SANTILLAN

“This is so exciting for me. This is a huge motivation to see everyone here with all the love they’re giving me. I’m ready to show my best for everyone.

“I’m so ready for this opportunity. I love to face the best and that’s what I’m doing on Saturday. I’m coming to steal the show.”

GARY ANTONIO RUSSELL

“The game plan is to execute our game plan and come out victorious with my hand raised. Whatever it takes.

“I treat every fight as a championship match. I’m coming to put my best foot forward and show everyone what I’m capable of doing.

“My family knows to stay mentally tough and keep grinding and stay resilient through it all. I’m ready to come out victorious. I expect nothing short of a spectacular performance.”

ISRAEL MERCADO

“I have this opportunity and I’m gonna take advantage of it. I’m the most slept on fighter in the game and I’m gonna show everyone why on Saturday.

“This is gonna be a very entertaining fight. I’m here to put on a show. I’m here for a reason and I’m gonna go home with a W.”

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.