Teofimo Lopez Expects Massive Viewership Number For Vasiliy Lomachenko Fight
Teofimo Lopez has a big prediction when it comes to the viewership number for his fight with Vasiliy Lomachenko.
The massive title showdown between Lopez and Lomachenko is set to take this Saturday night, October 17. All major lightweight championships outside of Devin Haney’s title will be on the line. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman considers the winner of this fight to be the true undisputed king at 135 pounds as Lomachenko holds the WBA (Super), WBC (Franchise), and WBO gold, while Lopez is the IBF Champion. Haney holds the WBC Title but Lomachenko’s “Franchise” tag takes precedence for this bout.
Speaking to BoxingScene.com, Lopez shared his prediction for the viewership total of his fight with Lomachenko.
“I think the minimum will be three million viewers. Hopefully we’re able to hit those numbers. And anything beyond that, I’ll be very pleased with. I’m very thankful. I just can’t wait, man. This is the fight of the year and everybody is excited.”
Top Rank Boxing’s Bob Arum said that should the total viewership fall below expectations, not necessarily those of Lopez, then it may lead to major networks hesitating to air these events.
“If it doesn’t get the number of viewers that I hope it gets, then television networks are not gonna be emboldened to step up to the plate, to show these types of events on regular television.”
Not only is Lopez’s IBF gold on the line this weekend but so is his undefeated record. Lomachenko has said that this fight is about enhancing his legacy. Becoming an undisputed champion, at least as far as the WBC is concerned, would certainly do that for “Loma.”
Lomachenko vs. Lopez will air live on the major ESPN network and on FIGHT SPORTS in over 50 countries worldwide.