Teofimo Lopez Feels Devin Haney Must Show And Prove For A Fight To Happen
Teofimo Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs) upset Vasyl Lomachenko (14-2, 10 KOs) to unify the IBF/WBA ‘Super’/WBO World Lightweight titles on October 17. Ever since, the boxing world has speculated what is the next move for new unified 135-pound champion. The 23-year-old from Brooklyn has always intimated that he would like to move up and compete at junior welterweight. However, for many fans, there is still business to be handled at lightweight.
One particular fight that is starting to pick up a lot of steam is a showdown between Lopez and WBC World Lightweight champion Devin Haney (25-0, 15, KOs) for undisputed honors at 135. Haney has been yelling that Lopez must see him if he wants to call himself the true king of the division.
CALLING THE SHOTS
While attending the Callum Smith-Canelo Alvarez card at the Alamodome, DAZN’s Chris Mannix asked Lopez about a possible bout with Haney.
“For me I gotta say like this, show me something. You had your opportunity with Gamboa, 38-years-old, you couldn’t do nothing. You couldn’t do nothing, what does that show? What does that show for everybody else out there?
If you wanna come at me, you better be ready. And that’s all I gotta say for everybody coming 2021. I’m coming out there to take your head off, and that’s on god.”
In short, Lopez is saying he’s willing to fight Haney, but it must make business sense. Given that he is on top of the lightweight heap, can you blame him for setting the parameters?
KEEP IT HONEST
In full truth, Haney did not leave the greatest impression with his November 7 win over Gamboa. Yes, he won by a comfortable margin. However, many fans called his fight boring and wondered out loud if he is an elite fighter.
On the other hand, when Lopez dares to call himself the undisputed champion at 135, it is simply not the case. To make that claim, he must get in the ring and defeat the 22-year-old from San Francisco.
We are talking about two young, skilled, and hungry fighters. They are natural rivals who have been beefing at each other hard and heavy on social media. It is a marketable fight that the fans want, especially when it comes to the younger boxing base.
There is boxing red tape that has to be cut through. If both fighters are truly willing to prove they want to be the best, you may well see it happen. Although, for Teofimo Lopez, as long as he holds the proverbial cards, it will be only on his terms.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
