“This guy is not in my league. He never was in my league, and he never will be. Rolly and I go way back. We’ve known each other since the amateurs. We’ve shared a lot of rounds in the ring, and now we’re here 10 years later. He’s the best fighter at 147 and the hardest puncher. I’m the type of guy who goes after those challenges,” Lopez said.

Neither description makes sense. Romero has not established himself as the best welterweight, and Teofimo cannot credibly call a reigning champion beneath him before making his own debut at 147 pounds.

His thinking about his career has become less coherent. An appearance with his father on Mr. Verzace’s podcast was troubling because neither man seemed able to grasp the obvious reasons for the loss to Shakur Stevenson.

Teofimo threw isolated potshots instead of combinations, rarely used his jab, and repeatedly jumped in and out of range. He never stayed close enough to apply the sustained pressure William Zepeda had used against Shakur.

He blamed his father for failing to provide answers during the fight, but the original game plan was wrong, and neither man adapted. There was no visible Plan B once Shakur took control. Their failure to recognize those tactical mistakes afterward was more concerning than the loss itself.

Thursday’s contradictory description of Romero followed the same pattern. Teofimo’s argument changed from one sentence to the next without any recognition that the two claims were incompatible.

What he needed at the press conference was someone capable of doing the talking for him, similar to the role Bill Haney plays for Devin Haney. Bill can carry a promotion, shape the argument, and keep attention on his son without requiring Devin to manufacture every exchange. Teofimo Sr. was onstage, but he offered none of that protection. His son was left to promote the event himself, producing claims that undermined each other almost immediately.

Both fighters are trying to sell a $79.99 card, which explains the increased trash talk. That is a steep price for a headliner between two old friends and a lackluster undercard.

The matchmaking is just as difficult to justify. Teofimo lost his last fight but received an immediate title opportunity in a division where he has never competed. Romero was permitted to hold the WBA belt for 15 months without defending it or being stripped.

Their friendship gives buyers another reason to hesitate. Fans must trust that two former sparring partners will abandon their relationship and produce the type of contest needed to justify the cost.

Given the weak supporting card and the questionable circumstances surrounding the title fight, Romero-Lopez should be included with existing DAZN and Prime Video subscriptions at no additional charge. Asking fans to pay $79.99 is insulting, regardless of how much hostility Teofimo tries to manufacture.