Boxer Rolly Romero is taking celibacy to the extreme ahead of his August 22 title defense against Teofimo Lopez. In an exclusive interview, Romero revealed he has not had sex in over a year, citing religious reasons rather than fight preparation.
"I haven't had sex since June 4, 2025. Over a year. I gave up sex till marriage. My body reserved for my wife, that the Lord Jesus will deliver to me. I gave it up completely till marriage," Romero said at a Los Angeles event this week.
The announcement echoes Conor McGregor's recent vow of abstinence before his fight against Max Holloway, but Romero insists his motivation is purely spiritual, not athletic.
While Romero waits for his future wife, he remains focused on his upcoming bout against Lopez, which will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The fight marks Romero's first title defense since his stunning upset victory over Ryan Garcia last year.
Lopez, meanwhile, takes a more relaxed approach to intimacy. "I partake. And then I'll probably hold off for the last two weeks," Lopez told us.
Both fighters face enormous stakes. Romero looks to prove his win over Garcia was no fluke, while Lopez aims to rebound from a rare loss to Shakur Stevenson and claim a championship belt.
Despite the pressure, the rivals have engaged in lively trash talk, with Lopez even trolling Romero over an alleged foot fetish. The fight is just weeks away, and fans can expect fireworks both in and out of the ring.