Teofimo Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs) has turned down a title shot after choosing to move up to welterweight instead of fighting for the vacant IBF super-lightweight belt.
Teo was gifted a title shot, despite losing against Shakur Stevenson on January 31 where he lost his WBO super-lightweight belt via a unanimous decision. And yet, the IBF ordered him to face the relatively unknown #1-ranked Lindolfo Delgato (24-0, 16 KOs). This was after Richardson Hitchins vacated and moved up to 147. Lopez is currently ranked #5 by the IBF, but they are now expected to order Delgado to face Arthur Biyarslanov.
Lopez will now move up to 147-pounds so he can target bigger names for bigger paydays as he looks to face WBC champ Ryan Garcia or WBO title holder Devin Haney, and attempt to become a three-division world champion.