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Teofimo Lopez was caught on camera at Friday’s weigh-in for the Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga fight, during which he called out other fighters including Gervonta Davis. However, most people believe that it will be an upset that the boxing world hasn’t seen before especially considering the differences in weight between Teofimo and Lomachenko. This seems impossible since Lopez fights in the 140-pound division while Tank Davis fights in the 135-pound division. Moreover, Tank has other big-name foes in his sights, which makes Lopez appear to be eager for some boxing enthusiasts and critics.
The Case of Teofimo Lopez
Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) the current WBO light welterweight champion has not been at his best in recent fights. His last five matches against Steve Claggett, Jamaine Ortiz, Sandor Martin as well as Pedro Campa were not so impressive. Teofimo Lopez may be technically sound in the boxing ring but his fight performances are not always up to the mark, which makes his call out to Tank Davis seem more like a cry for attention.
The suggestion to take on Davis on the 14th of December is relatively audacious, but, one gets the feeling that it’s as much a money-making scheme as a competitive precipitate. His mindset has appeared to be more of a get-rich scheme which, should get toxic career-wise once fans and promoters identify the desperation
The Weight Issue
This fact is perhaps one of the main reasons why a fight between Teofimo Lopez and Gervonta Davis might not happen shortly: weight difference. Lopez competes in the super lightweight category which is a maximum of 140 pounds, Davis competes in the lightweight category with a maximum poundage of 135 pounds or currently holds the WBA ‘regular’ lightweight title. Not only would Lopez have to lose weight to make the fight happen, but his practice of rehydrating up to 160 pounds for fights at 140 is another problem.
If the two fighters were to be confronted for a fight, Tank Davis would probably request him to undergo a rehydration clause in the ring. A clause of this nature can make it hard for him to conduct business competitively. He tends to bulk up after weigh-ins, which has given him an edge in his recent fights.
Better Matchups for Lopez
Instead of using Davis as a tool, he should consider making fighters in his weight class or within the same class as his punching bags. It would be easier for Teofimo Lopez to prepare for someone like William Zepeda or Andy Cruz names that would mean more as opponents in terms of the division’s hierarchy, of a level where he should attempt to test himself and overcome them while without the issues of making weight though it may come to a point of risking the weight to fall off of him. These would suit Lopez more and wins over such opponents would help establish the Mexican before going for opponents like Davis.
Teofimo Lopez failed to name Tank Davis a long time ago and it is mind-bugging that he did not take the shot when Vasily Lomachenko stated he will not fight for the remainder of the year. That window might have given him a better chance to challenge Davis, but now his callout seems poorly timed.
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Oilers Could Offer a Veteran Forward a Better Shot… Somewhere Else
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Steelers' Troy Fautanu Admits To Internal Beef That Has Been Obvious Throughout Training Camp
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