Teofimo Lopez Gets His Career Back on Track as a Two-Division Champion
In front of a packed Madison Square Garden in New York City, Teofimo “The Takeover” (19-1, 13 KOs) outboxed and overpowered Josh Taylor on the way to a unanimous decision victory (115-113, 115-113, 117-111) to capture WBO junior welterweight champion. The Takeover is now a two-division world champion. Lopez was overjoyed with excitement while speaking to ESPN immediately following the contest.
“I’m so thankful right now. It’s been a long time coming. We just beat the number-one ranked guy, number one champion, lineal champion Josh Taylor, former undisputed world champion.”
The fight with Taylor was critical for Lopez. Much was made during pre-fight interviews of what many observers considered to be controversial comments from Lopez. The former unified lightweight champion admitted that he put a target on his back. But he used that pressure to turn in one of the best performances of his career.
OPTIONS ABOUND
While Lopez didn’t call out any specific guys during the post-fight interview, he has his pick of potentially big fights in and around the division. One could see Lopez shoot for unification matches against WBC champion Regis “Rougarou” Prograis, WBA champion Rolando Romero, or IBF belt-holder Subriel Matias. But a more attractive fight could be against reigning lightweight champion Devin Haney.
Lopez and Haney are bitter enemies and have done more than their share of trading insults over the years. Haney is contemplating moving up to 140 following his May 20 win over Vasyl Lomachenko. Teofimo Lopez Sr has said that he wants his son to fight Haney. A lot must happen from the business side for it to happen. But as it stands now, a Lopez – Haney grudge match at 140 is one of the potential juicer fights in the sport. Whatever direction Lopez takes, he’s back on top in what is shaping up to be a loaded junior welterweight division
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