Taylor Vs. Lopez Pre-Fight Presser – Here’s What Happened
Josh Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs) squares off against Teofimo Lopez (18-1, 13 KOs) from Madison Square Garden, New York, on June 10th 2023.
Taylor is the favorite, having been the former super-lightweight-undisputed champion. As of now, he is putting his WBO belt on the line against Lopez.
The latter will be looking to become a two-division champion with a victory over Taylor. In chief support, Xander Zayas faces Ronald Cruz as the ‘Miguel Cotto Award’ is on the line.
Elsewhere, Henry Lebron faces Carlos Ramos. Meanwhile, Jan Carlos Rivera takes on Omar Rosario. The main event promises to be a pulsating one, given the bad blood in the build-up.
Taylor reacted angrily to Lopez’s claims that he would ‘kill’ him in the ring by vowing to stop and make him quit.
With that being said, the traditional face-off was scrapped with concerns over what had been said, as extra security was deployed.
Security wouldn’t let them face off 😳#TaylorLopez | SAT 10PM ET | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/6TeYTr4VGh
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 8, 2023
Key Quotes
Starting to get a bit chippy 🍿#TaylorLopez | SAT at 10PM ET | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/SHhXexj6xz
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 8, 2023
Taylor on Lopez’s confidence: “I can’t wait until you try, that’s all it’s gonna be… You clown. Have you not got any quotes of your own.”
The dislike? "Genuine." 😳#TaylorLopez | SAT at 10PM ET | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/m4OItbO6XH
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 8, 2023
Taylor on the bad blood: “There’s a genuine bit of dislike here. He’s been disrespectful, and a lot of words he’s been saying, I’m gonna make him pay for on Saturday, so I can’t wait. [We will see a] Josh Taylor win, possibly by KO nice and early as well.”
The Takeover is at the doorstep of a new division 💥#TaylorLopez | SAT at 10PM ET | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/UkjlwvnXD2
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 8, 2023
Lopez on becoming a two-division champion: “It means everything. What is the takeover if he doesn’t take over the guys that are the kingpin of the division.
“So when it comes to Josh Taylor at junior welterweight, he is the guy. And that is the guy you gotta beat to be the greatest.”
Starting to get a bit chippy 🍿#TaylorLopez | SAT at 10PM ET | @ESPN pic.twitter.com/SHhXexj6xz
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 8, 2023
Lopez on his mindset: “I’m here to come in there and to take everything you got. That’s what we are, the takeover. There ain’t no trying with me man. Everybody got a plan until they get punched in the face.”