Teofimo Lopez could box at welterweight for his next fight.
Lopez is coming off a successful WBO Junior Welterweight Title defense against Steve Claggett. Despite a one-sided win, Lopez failed to stop his man. Before the fight, he had hinted at a move up from 140 by targeting Terence Crawford. However, Bud fights at 154, meaning he must jump up two weight classes to get that fight.
Lopez could pursue other fights at 140: Isaac Cruz, the WBA champion, or Liam Paro, the IBF Champion. Since neither of those are big names, Lopez is looking at 147. Jaron Ennis is the IBF champion at 147, while Eimantas Stanionis holds the WBA belt. Those are some big names available for Lopez.
“147 is something that I plan on moving toward, probably even in this next upcoming match. Listen, I believe what really sounds swell is ‘Teofimo Lopez, three-division world champion at 27 years young.’ I’m all about that,” Lopez said
Brian Norman Jr. is ready to face Lopez at welterweight. He is 26-0, with 20 stoppages and would provide Lopez the ideal fight for the big names at 147.
“If [Lopez] wants to come to 147, I will gladly introduce him to the division. Anything is possible. We have seen what he did in the past, trying to be great at a young age. … It could happen, but business is still business. Maybe it won’t happen,” Norman Jr. stated
If that fight cannot be made, Lopez is open to boxing Crawford at 154.
“Why can’t I do it? The beauty of it is I will succeed from it. That makes it much sweeter when I win,” Lopez revealed
Reaction
Brian Norman jr is a underrated killer teo gone have to dig deep lowk
— Clutchruto (@clutchruto) June 29, 2024
he’s gonna call himself 3x undisputed after that fight 😂
— e.† (@realslicric4) June 29, 2024
If Brian Norman catches him wit shots like claggett did it’ll b a long night for teo
— Hoc Dez (@HitsOnlyCrew) June 30, 2024