Bob Arum says Teofimo Lopez Penciled-in For August 2022 Ring Return
In his last in-ring assignment, colorful fighter Teofimo “Take Over” Lopez (16-1, 12 KO’s) had a rough night in the office. During that bout on November 27, 2021, against challenger George Kambosos, Lopez was both dropped and defeated for the first time professionally.
With the loss, Take Over was relieved of his WBA Super, WBO and IBF titles. Since that fateful day, barring a few sporadic appearances, Lopez has been relatively quiet. Now, that should change as it’s looking like he will be returning very soon. According to Top Rank founder Bob Arum, during an interview with Fight Hub TV, Take Over is just about all set for an August return to action.
“I think the fifteenth of August, something like that, but he has been examined by doctors and the results are being forwarded to the New York State Athletic commission which has to release him from suspension. Once that’s done, I think the idea is that his fight would take place in Florida, the Fort Lauderdale area. I think we’ve made arrangements for a venue and I am looking forward to Teofimo’s return. But that is subject to him being physically cleared by the New York Athletic Commission.”
WHO’S IN THE OTHER CORNER THOUGH??!
Unfortunately, Arum was not willing to shine much light on who Lopez would be dancing with in that return affair.
“I think there are three opponents that we’ve been working on and Carl Moretti will be here tomorrow and he’s handling that and [he’ll] have a better update on that than I do…I do [know the options] but I am not sure, so I’d rather they come from Carl.”
STILL THE SAME?
Having been knocked off such a high and prosperous perch, it will be interesting to see how the dethroned champion performs. Outside of the mental aspects of the setback, Take Over will also be under scrutiny due to his physical health. In the wake of his match with Kambosos, it was unearthed that Lopez had been contending with a serious health matter that could have taken his life.
Along with this, Take Over underwent surgery on his right hand and left elbow. Each procedure seems to have been a success, but we’ll all have to wait and see how Teofimo Lopez puts it all together in the ring. Yet, first things first, let’s allow an official date and opponent to be announced before working up into a lather about the resumption of the Take Over’s career.
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By: Bakari Simpson
