Teofimo Jr Calls Out His Father Over Stevenson Loss

Teofimo Lopez Jr and his father and longtime trainer Teofimo Sr aired their grievances over the Shakur Stevenson defeat in a candid interview with Ring Magazine — and it got uncomfortable fast.

Lopez Jr challenges Rolando Romero for the WBA welterweight title later this month. But first, some unfinished business with his dad. Teofimo Sr opened by deflecting blame outward.

"You know how great my son is, that you had all these people trying to mess with him mentally for that fight. Everybody. His son didn't let it slide: "And you helped them."

Teofimo Sr attempted to share the responsibility: "Whatever it is, we both messed up."

Lopez Jr wasn't having it: "No. Sometimes you just got to take it for what it is. I got to take responsibility for my actions when I'm wrong."

His father pushed back, steering toward motivation: "You have to forget about the past — if they don't put you on the pound-for-pound list, all that sh*t don't mean nothing. They want to get you mentally."

Lopez Jr brought it back to the personal: "But at the same time, you're my father. And I'm advocating for you."

Teofimo Sr closed with an attempt at perspective: "You know what, this fight saved us because I'm a better person now."

Whether the wounds are fully healed before fight night remains an open question.