Teofimo Lopez Vacates His WBO Junior-Welterweight Belt
Teofimo Lopez has followed through on his decision to retire from the sport of boxing by vacating his WBO junior-welterweight title.
The 25-year-old created history when he beat Josh Taylor to secure the belt and become a two-division/lineal champion.
While a victory gave him the opportunity to unify the division with potential fights against Regis Prograis, or a mega fight with Devin Haney, who could move up to 140, the ‘Takeover’ hung up his gloves.
Teofimo Lopez retires 👀 #TaylorLopez pic.twitter.com/2qnCKmrckt
— BOXRAW (@BOXRAW) June 12, 2023
“Thank you everyone for making the greatest moments in my career a GREAT ONE. Thank you Top Rank and ESPN for creating ‘THE TAKEOVER’ into a real thing!
“I am forever grateful for all of the sanctioning bodies in Boxing for showing me I can and am more than Boxing! What a career,” Lopez
In the aftermath, Lopez cited his displeasure with a variety of things which may have explained his reason for retiring.
The boxer is going through a bitter divorce battle while also expressing his unhappiness about his value not being met. Lopez did let on that it would take a nine-figure payday to get him back in the ring.
Regardless of what happens, the WBO has confirmed that Lopez has vacated his belt.
Teofimo Lopez Vacates WBO Junior Welterweight Title, Sticks To Retirement Claim https://t.co/LGXNSEuTs8 pic.twitter.com/3kuRVlwJSx
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) June 15, 2023
“Just now Teofimo Lopez is texting me that he relinquished his Jr welterweight title. We should respect his decision. If he come back, WBO doors will be always open for him,” WBO president Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel
And yet, the boxing community felt that Lopez would return.
Social Media Reaction
I know bro ain’t really retiring . He wants more money . To fight again . He ain’t pulling a Andre Ward . But if he did then props to him
— Sammito (@sammmitou) June 15, 2023
He will unretire when divorce court is over. Lmao. This is hilarious.
— Ⓜ️𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝔻𝕚𝕕𝕕𝕪 (@Mookie__Bets) June 15, 2023
He’s lying.
— Honorable Minister Louis Phareauxkan (@337Phareaux) June 16, 2023