What’s Next For Teofimo Lopez?

Teofimo Lopez is looking for the mega fights, as we take a look at who he could face next.

Lopez recently defended his WBO Junior Welterweight Title against Arnold Barboza Jr. with a unanimous decision win. He then called out Jaron Ennis, the WBA, IBF, and Ring Magazine Welterweight Champion. The Saudis have indicated an interest in making that fight, which has resulted in a mixed reaction.

Lopez has been accused of chasing money, while Tim Bradley has told Boots to avoid Teo. The fight offers Lopez a chance to add a mega name to his resume. His biggest wins have come against Vasiliy Lomachenko at 135 and Josh Taylor at 140. A win over Ennis makes Lopez a three-weight world champion, thus adding to his legacy. 

Lopez Vs. Haney

An alternative is to take on Devin Haney. Haney returned to action at 147 after a no-contest against Ryan Garcia when he faced Jose Ramirez. The performance disappointed fans, with the bout having the fifth-least number of punches landed according to CompuBox. Haney and Lopez were rivals at 135 and 140, but the fight never got made. While it could happen at 147, Bill Haney insists Teo is scared.

“Money is not a problem, right? So, you’re acting like you’re looking for Boots. Man, knock it off. You know why you’re looking for Boots because you’re running from Devin Haney. So, you think putting Boots name out there, you think putting Crawford’s name out there. If you think that’s going to deter it. But I don’t think so,” Bill said

Other Options

The problem with facing Haney is that it is not as lucrative as the other fights out there. Teo could target a fight against Ryan Garcia. Ryan earned $50 million for the Haney fight, while also picking up $20 million for his bout against Rolando Romero. Ryan is a much bigger star and arguably an easier fight for Teo based on his last performance.

Garcia was not the same fighter, who dominated Haney before it transpired that he failed VADA tests for Ostarine. Ryan also boxed at 147 in his last fight, meaning he is accustomed to being a welterweight. Lopez has previously said he is open to that fight. 

“Ryan says catchweight, but I don’t know catchweight. We can go to 147 and fight for a belt, I deal with world titles. One thing thought about me – USADA. United States Anti-Doping Agency. Even if I gotta pay out of pocket,” Lopez stated