Teofimo Lopez Targets UK Bout with the Taylor v Catterall Winner
Former unified 135-pound champion Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez (17-1, 13 KOs) will close out 2022 by facing two-time champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza (29-4-1, 14 KOs) on December 10. It’s certainly not the fight he wanted. Still, Lopez hopes a win will propel him into a possible showdown with WBO 140-pound champion Josh Taylor in 2023.
All of that, of course, hinges on both fighters winning their upcoming bouts. Former undisputed champion Taylor was once regarded as the undeniable divisional kingpin. He is looking to reaffirm that position by dominating Jack Catterall in their rematch.
Both Lopez and Taylor have traded insults towards one another in the past. Lopez also reiterated his desire to face Taylor after his victory over Pedro Campa back in August.
In a recent interview with Fight Hype, The Takeover discussed a potential Taylor fight and his willingness to take the fight in London.
“Oh yeah, absolutely. We’ve already talked about this, and yeah, now you guys are hearing it. So yeah, we’re definitely looking at fighting for the WBO junior welterweight title along with the ring magazine belt in the U.K. next year. As long as Josh Taylor beats Jack Catterall, or either of them really.”
Lopez has reversed his position, having previously stated that he would not fight Taylor in the United Kingdom. Obviously, things are different now and, to be quite honest, a matchup between these two is one of the best boxing has to offer. There’s a certain amount of dislike there, and both of these fighters bring high-level skillsets. So hopefully both men handle their business and we get this matchup in 2023.
By: Jerrell Fletcher
