Nothing Will Stand In Lopez’ Way

Teofimo Lopez is one step closer to a world title shot, as the undefeated Brooklyn based fighter returns to the ring on July 19th against Masayoshi Nakatani.

The two will headline a Top Rank on ESPN+ card in an IBF world title eliminator from the MGM National Harbor just outside of Baltimore, Maryland.

“I see myself as a performer in the ring,” Lopez said on Wednesday of his entertaining style both during and after fights. “I am coming to the MGM National Harbor to put on a show. I have respect for Nakatani because he is undefeated like me, but nobody is going to stand in my way.”

“We all know what is at stake on Friday, Lopez said of the chance to face current champion Richard Commey. “But if you think too far ahead, you get careless. Nakatani is my only concern right now. After Friday night, we can talk about the future. Nakatani has been fighting 12-rounders since before I turned pro, so he has a lot of valuable experience. I believe my talent will outweigh his experience.”

“I say this before all of my fights — I go in there to take over the show. I’m a main event fighter now, and that won’t change. When people watch me fight, they put down their phones because they don’t want to miss anything.”

From his post fight backflips and Fortnite celebrations, Lopez has become a sensation with boxing fans, and admits he does it because someone has to.

“I do all of that stuff — the backflips and the Fortnite celebrations — because I want to entertain. I want people to remember my name. I’m a fighter, but I am also an entertainer. That’s been lost in today’s game. I’m unique in the sport of boxing.”