Josh Taylor vs Teofimo Lopez to Hit New York City On June 10
3kingsboxing.com has kept you abreast on the developments involving a fight between WBO champion Josh “The Tartan Tornado” Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs) and one-time unified champion Teofimo Lopez (18-1, 13 KOs). According to ESPN, the two fighters have agreed to a deal andthe fight will occur on June 10 in New York City at either Madison Square Garden or the Hulu Theater on ESPN/ESPN+.
It appeared that Taylor would engage in a rematch with bitter rival Jack Catterall on March 4. However, the two sides were unable to finalize a deal. Lopez was in line to face current WBC 140 pound champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis, but it became clear that he never seemed interested in Rougarou.
WHAT’S THEIR MOTIVATION?
The incentive for Taylor and Lopez should be high as each has something to prove. Taylor’s last fight was against Catterall in February 2022. In that fight, the Tartan Tornado struggled mightily and was lucky to escape with a split decision. Currently recovering from a foot injury, Taylor is hell-bent on showing that he’s a better fighter than what observers saw against Catterall.
Lopez is also coming off a split-decision victory over Sandor Martin in December. Afterward, television cameras caught Lopez questioning himself, which has left some boxing fans asking whether he is a fighter who has lost his confidence. Lopez is on a mission to be on his A-game when he steps in the ring with the WBO champ.
FAMILIAR STOMPING GROUNDS
Taylor and Lopez have talked about fighting one another for several years and have engaged in their share of back-and-forth trash talk. Now they get to settle their difference.
Arguably, this is the biggest money matchup in the division. Lopez is from nearby Brooklyn, New York. Taylor is from Scotland. Fans from the champion’s home country will travel in droves to see him in action. Whether the fight lands at Hulu Theater or the big room at MSG, expect a raucous crowd on fight night.
