Teofimo Lopez Sends Pedro Campa To Bed
When former unified lightweight champion Teofimo “The Take-back” Lopez (17-1, 13 KO’s) stepped in the ring to stage his most recent prizefight there were a lot of questions to be answered. First and foremost, many wanted to know why he was facing the radically unheralded Pedro “Roca” Campa (34-2-1, 23 KO’s).
In his fight directly before Campa, Lopez fought his mandatory challenger George Kambosos Jr but was dropped, out-fought and outpointed in a losing split decision effort of a significant upset.
Now rather than avenge that loss, which was an option, or stay in the division The Take-back opted to jump up to super lightweight. Yet, once there he didn’t use his name value or #5 (WBO), #6 (WBC), #8 (WBA) and #10 (IBF) rankings to secure a big time fight. Instead he penned a match with Campa who is ranked #11 (WBO). In fact, Campa’s prizefight with Lopez will only be his second staged outside of his native Mexico.
Lopez did suffer a medical malady during his showdown with Kambosos that could have affected his performance. So maybe they wanted a soft touch to test the waters. Yet, no matter how you slice it, not only did Lopez have to defeat Campa to maintain his current status he had to do it in style.
PAR FOR THE COURSE
While Lopez was clearly the faster fighter, and landing the flashier punches, it was Campa constantly coming forward. The Mexican ate Lopez’ shots like soft batch cookies over the first two rounds. Over the third and fourth rounds The Take-back accepted he would not knockout Roca so quickly and began using his feet much more effectively. This allowed him to ambush and skirt without return fire.
Little changed over the next few rounds, except Roca’s left eye began quickly swelling. Then at the top of the seventh Lopez floors Campa with an up jab. The Mexican would find his feet, although, notably impaired, and soldier on for the majority of the period.
Then after a great deal of signifying a barrage of shots prompted referee Tony Weeks to halt the fight. In the aftermath of the bout, Lopez vigorously called out Josh Taylor and the winner of the upcoming Regis Prograis versus Jose Zepeda for the vacant WBC super lightweight title. He is expected to return in Madison Square Garden in December!
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By: Bakari Simpson
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