Unified Title Fight Or Catterall Next For Teofimo?

Teofimo Lopez (23-2, 13 KOs) won the WBA welterweight world title on Saturday after defeating Rolando “Rolly” Romero by majority decision, and his options continue to expand in the aftermath of the Las Vegas fight.

Speaking immediately after his win, Lopez called for unification bouts against the winner of WBC champion Ryan Garcia’s fight against Conor Benn, and later against reigning WBO champion Devin Haney.

But a mandatory challenge could hamper Lopez’s unification ambitions, with Jack Catterall (33-2, 14 KOs) pushing for his world title shot.

Catterall won the WBA “Regular” title when he defeated Shakhram Giyasov by unanimous decision in May. The WBA had previously ruled that the holder of its main welterweight title would have to face the Catterall-Giyasov winner within 180 days. Catterall maintains that ruling now entitles him to face Lopez.

Catterall said Tuesday that Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn sent the WBA a letter regarding their position.

“When I met [WBA President] Gilberto Mendoza in Egypt, I shook his hand and he gave me his word if I beat Giyasov, someone who was avoided and waited for his shot for two years, I will get my shot within 180 days regardless who has the belt. So I believe the WBA will do the correct thing.”

Lopez could, in theory, seek an agreement with Catterall to step aside while he pursues another fight. Catterall, however, said he is “here to fight” rather than accept step-aside money.

Lopez maintains that the WBA has not mandated a fight between himself and Catterall. The sanctioning body has yet to publicly clarify whether its previous 180-day ruling will now be enforced against Lopez following his victory over Romero.