From talks of friendship and financial help to “it all disappeared the moment we signed the contract,” Teofimo Lopez vs. Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero has run the gamut of emotions. Yet, for all that bonhomie and rabble-rousing, the much-anticipated showdown for Romero’s WBA welterweight title has failed to hide a lingering issue that has now come back to bite it.

There seems to be a notable lack of excitement usually associated with a title fight, particularly when stars are involved. Despite Romero’s larger-than-life persona and championship titles across two weight classes and Lopez’s impressive resume, which includes a win over Vasyl Lomachenko, the PBC card at T-Mobile Arena, broadcast on Amazon Prime and DAZN, appears to have fallen flat. Nothing did a better job of explaining that than veteran broadcaster Al Bernstein’s remarks, which garnered considerable reactions from fans, a few of which have now become quite familiar.

“To be honest, there is literally not an ounce of buzz here in Las Vegas for the Lopez-Romero fight. Has barely registered in terms of coverage or talk in town,” Bernstein’s X post read.

Given that the card is yet to get underway, basing those comments on any visible performance metrics would be a futile exercise. Yet, given Bernstein’s association with the sport goes back years, it is likely his comments stem from the experience of having watched some of the fights that created a huge splash.

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During his stints with ESPN (1960-2003) and Showtime Championship Boxing (2003-2023), Bernstein worked on some of boxing’s greatest fights, including 1985’s Marvelous Marvin Hagler vs. Tommy Hearns (1985), early Mike Tyson fights, and the fight viewed by many as the greatest, 2005’s Diego Corrales vs. Jose Luis Castillo, which Bernstein called the greatest fight he had announced at Showtime and in his career.

Of course, to compare Romero vs. Lopez with those legendary battles would be incorrect. Yet, considering the names and the stakes involved, expecting a reasonable amount of excitement may not be too far off the mark.

While specific details of Romero’s last fight against Ryan Garcia, which took place a year ago, are not available, Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson was deemed a huge success, with more than 21 thousand fans setting an attendance record at the current Madison Square Garden.

So what ails the fight tonight? Comments from some of the fans and users provide ample clues.

“Al knows what a fight in Vegas feels like when it has a Buzz🥊Lopez coming off a disappointing performance and Romero is just Romero. The fight should be a Co-Main Event Fight Only🥊👁️🇺🇸”

“I’ve never been one of those “boxing is dead” types. But….proof is in the pudding. Especially in the States.”

“Its not a big fight neither fighter are hig names. That’s just the reality wake up tomorrow for result. Already got some boxing in, Japan this morning, watching Matchroom event in UK.”

“Neither are vegas main event fighters.”

“Not a surprise lol rolly isn’t a draw unless he has a strong A-side that can actually sell out arenas thank goodness haney vs rolly wasn’t made.”