Teofimo Lopez Won’t Vacate, Tells Devin Haney ‘Let’s Make The Fight’
Teofimo Lopez has confirmed that he will not vacate his belt.
Lopez announced that he was leaving the sport just as he had beaten Josh Taylor for the WBO 140-pound title.
The victory had made him a two-division and two-time lineal champion, which is why the announcement took fans aback.
In response, Lopez admitted that he would not return unless he was given a nine-figure purse. So naturally, there were question marks over whether or not Lopez would vacate his belt.
But now those questions have been addressed.
The game is over..@TeofimoLopez just informed me in writing that he will retain his @WorldBoxingOrg jr welterweight title …@DanRafael1 @JakeNDaBox @MikeCoppinger @pugboxing @ChavaESPN @LoMejorDelBoxeo @NotiFight
— Paco Valcárcel, Esq. (@PacoValcarcel) July 13, 2023
As a result, Lopez has put Devin Haney on notice by demanding that the undisputed lightweight champion step up to the plate.
This was in response to suggestions that Haney could have fought for Lopez’s WBO title against Arnold Barboza Jr. if the ‘Takeover’ vacated it.
“Yo Devin Haney. Since you were so quick to jump in the mix for my WBO championship belt, let’s make the fight happen so the world can see who is about that action.
“[And] no, you will not be on the A-side. I hold the king title of the division as well! So don’t run away! B***h,” Lopez stated
Came out of retirement (I guess) because the next move was for Devin Haney to fight sorry ass Arnold Barboza for my WBO championship title at 140lbs.
F’ that. I’m tired of helping this kid be something that he is not. And that’s a real champion!
— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) July 13, 2023
In response, Haney fired back with some words of his own.
“Yo h** a** never retired in the first place. Let’s see if you really want the smoke. I’m gonna be 140 champ regardless. You asked for 20 million last time my pops talked to you,” Haney
It is not clear if Haney would take up such an offer. He does have other options at 140 including a potential fight with Regis Prograis for the WBC title.
Meanwhile, mega fights with Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson are also possibilities at lightweight if Haney decides to stay at 135.
With that being said, Lopez and Haney have plenty to think about.