Teofimo Lopez v Arnold Barboza Jr at Junior Welterweight is a Possibility
It appears that former unified lightweight champion Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez (16-1, 12KOs) is ready to put his first career loss behind him. In November of 2021, Lopez was stunned by George Kambosos in a major upset. He was the overwhelming favorite heading into that fight. He was dropped in the first round and eventually out-hustled for long stretches of the fight.
Immediately after the fight, Lopez and his father, Teofimo Lopez Sr., announced that a move to junior welterweight was next. It was well known that Lopez Jr’s days as a lightweight were numbered. However, the loss to the Kambosos sped the move up.
NEW DIVISION, LINGERING QUESTIONS
Now, with the loss behind him, he’s looking at a likely spring return to the ring. One possible opponent is Arnold Barboza Jr. (26-0, 10KOs). Barboza, a top junior welterweight contender, is ranked #3 in the WBO, #15 in the IBF, and #6 in the WBC. As for Lopez, although he hasn’t yet fought at junior welterweight, he’s ranked #5 in the WBC.
This is an intriguing matchup. Barboza is a well-rounded fighter who can box from the outside, utilizing a very good jab. He’s also capable of mixing it up on the inside. As for Lopez, we know what to expect from him. He’s fast, powerful, and explosive. Furthermore, on the downside for him, is he didn’t take the loss to Kambosos well at all, going as far as to admit he contemplated suicide.
So while he may be the better fighter, his mental headspace will surely be a talking point regardless of who he’s fighting next. As it is now, this is merely a possibility, with nothing imminent at the moment.
3Kings Boxing will monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
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By: Jerrell Fletcher
