Teofimo Lopez says he could be a free agent after next fight
According to Teofimo “Take Over” Lopez (16-0, 12 KO’s), he is at the end of the road with his promotional company Top Rank. In fact, the WBA Super, IBF and WBO World Lightweight champion would not be surprised if he had already fought his last fight with them. Lopez signed with Top Rank well back in 2016 when he was still only 19 years old.
Up until now, the Take Over insists that he has been happy overall with the company and has really enjoyed his tenure there. In fact, when it all boils down, the native New Yorker only has an issue with Top Rank President Todd duBoef. Lopez has maintained an open animosity toward duBoef for a number of weeks now. The main instigating factor appears to be Lopez’s feeling that duBoef was not paying him what he is worth.
THE FORK IN THE ROAD
Due to that feeling of being undervalued, Team Lopez came up with a new plan. He and his next opponent, George Kambosos and crew, conspired to have their fight pushed to purse bid. Once done, Triller came out of nowhere and won the bid with a $6 million dollar entry. Now that he has gotten his first taste of a very lucrative payday, Lopez is not trying to move backwards financially. So for him, his next move would only be his best move if he moseyed on away from Top Rank. While appearing on the Ak and Barak Show, Take Over delved into a bit greater detail.
“I see myself, maybe within this fight or my next fight, I will be a free agent. You know, there is so much proof for me to get out of this Top Rank contract that they gave me the golden ticket. So Todd duBoef gave me the golden ticket by doing so. They already dug a bigger hole than they need to. So of course the Take Over Promotions will be in effect and it will be Take Over Promotions time, the network, god willing.”
“So that’s what I am looking forward to. ESPN, PBC, Triller, the list could go on and on. DAZN. I mean there are so many guys I know that bring all that to the platform. And this right here just alone, thanks to Triller, will set the tone because my fight will be main event and if we can hit two million views, pay-per-view buys right there alone, it’s like I’m on the cusp of becoming a pay-per-view.”
ONE MONKEY CAN STOP A SHOW
Yet again, Lopez was very clear on the fact that he was only peeved with Todd duBoef. Minus that one person, Take Over really does not think the situation would be all that dire.
“I was always happy with Top Rank. I think they are one of the best companies to start your career. They know how to promote a fighter and they know what they are doing. They have phenomenal matchmakers, Brad Goodman and Bruce Trampler, who are hall of famers. I mean these guys are phenomenal. So, Top Rank, I have nothing against Top Rank. I may have something against one specific person but other than that, had they gotten rid of this guy, then I would probably still be talking about making things work with Top Rank.”
It will be interesting to see how this overall situation plays out. Will Lopez be able to legally finesse his way out of his contract, as he apparently believes? Or will Bob Arum’s lawyer acumen manifest itself in an iron clad inescapable document? Regardless of the outcome, 3kingsboxing.com will be there to report the news.
By: Bakari Simpson
