While both fighters remain recognizable names, the announcement has already prompted criticism over how the title fight came together.

Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs) is moving up to welterweight after losing his WBO junior welterweight title in a one-sided unanimous decision defeat to Shakur Stevenson in January. Rather than facing a contender in his new division, the former unified lightweight champion will go straight into a world title fight with the opportunity to become a three-division champion.

Romero (17-2, 13 KOs), meanwhile, will be making his first defense roughly 15 months after upsetting Ryan Garcia to win the WBA welterweight title. During that span, he was linked to potential fights with Manny Pacquiao and Devin Haney, but neither materialized.

Some fans have questioned why Romero was allowed to hold the title for so long without making a mandatory defense, while others have argued Lopez should have been required to earn his opportunity by defeating a leading welterweight contender before challenging for a world championship.

One name frequently mentioned is WBA No. 1-ranked Raul Curiel, who many believe should have been next in line for a title opportunity or, at minimum, the type of opponent Lopez should have had to beat before receiving a shot at Romero’s belt.

Despite the debate surrounding the matchmaking, the August 22 clash brings together two of boxing’s most recognizable personalities in a fight that could have major implications for the welterweight division. An official launch press conference is scheduled for July 9 in Los Angeles.

“It’s lofty praise, of course,” Mannix said on his channel, reacting to Bob Arum’s comment about Mason being the next Sugar Ray Leonard. “I think it’s very premature. Sugar Ray was an Olympic gold medalist before doing all the things he did in the pros. Abdullah Mason was a good fighter in the amateurs. Didn’t have anywhere near the accolades.”

Mannix pointed to Mason’s tendency to lean in on his punches and leave himself open for counters, saying those habits would prove costly against elite opposition.

“The mistakes Abdullah Mason makes, they’re going to cost him against a good counter puncher,” Mannix said. “There’s so much he’s got to clean up before we can start talking about him on that kind of level.”

Mannix’s caution is understandable.

Although Mason showed tremendous resolve by rallying to stop Bell, he also spent much of the fight getting outboxed by a replacement opponent. Mannix said Bell deserved five of the first six rounds and criticized the judges who had the fight even after six.

The Bell fight wasn’t the first time Mason has shown vulnerabilities. He was dropped twice by Yohan Vasquez before scoring a stoppage victory, had difficult moments against Sam Noakes, and again had to rely on his power and determination to turn the tide against Bell.

Those are not the type of performances that drew comparisons to Leonard early in his career.

Leonard looked like a future superstar almost from the moment he turned professional. While he was still facing developmental opposition at the same age, he consistently dominated rounds with his speed, footwork, defense and ring IQ. Mason has shown championship heart and legitimate punching power, but he has also displayed defensive lapses that elite lightweights are likely to exploit.

Mason has plenty of time to improve at just 22 years old. But based on what he has shown so far, Mannix’s advice to slow down the Sugar Ray Leonard comparisons appears well founded.

The debate has become increasingly common as Usyk continues adding to one of the most accomplished resumes in modern boxing. The unbeaten Ukrainian has twice become the undisputed heavyweight champion after defeating Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois, while previously cleaning out the cruiserweight division as its undisputed champion.

“Muhammad Ali,” said Canelo when asked by the Daily Mail to choose the winner in a fight between a prime Ali and Usyk.

Canelo offered no further explanation, but the choice reflects the enormous respect Ali still commands more than four decades after his retirement. Ali won the heavyweight title three times during his legendary career and produced iconic victories over Joe Frazier, George Foreman, Sonny Liston and Ken Norton.

Usyk has inevitably drawn comparisons to Ali because of his movement, footwork and ability to overcome naturally bigger opponents. The Ukrainian weighed just 221 pounds when he first captured the heavyweight championship, putting him in a weight range similar to Ali’s during much of his prime.

Fantasy matchups between heavyweight greats have become more frequent as Usyk’s legacy has grown, although opinions remain divided on how fighters from different eras would fare against one another.

Canelo isn’t the first former champion to weigh in on the matchup. Former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, who shared the ring with Ali during the final years of his career, also recently gave his opinion on how a fight between Ali and Usyk would play out.