Teofimo Lopez is moving to welterweight as he sets his sights on becoming a three weight world champion
Teofimo Lopez (22-0, 13ko’s) has set his sights on conquering a third division.
‘The Takeover’ was comprehensively defeated last time out against Shakur Stevenson (25-0, 11ko’s) at Madison Square Garden.
This fight cemented Stevenson as a pound for pound star, but it certainly doesn’t take credibility away from Lopez, who has already achieved so much.
At just age 28, the man from Brooklyn has won the Ring Magazine title at both lightweight and super-lightweight.
An impressive resume includes victories over Vasily Lomachenko (18-3, 12ko’s) , Arnold Barboza Jr (33-1, 11ko’s) and Josh Taylor (19-3, 13ko’s).
Lopez has cemented himself as one of America’s biggest stars in the sport, and he has revealed to the Ring Magazine that a move to welterweight is next.
So what awaits the takeover at 147lbs?
It’s undoubtedly one of the sports most stacked divisions from a commercial standpoint.
Current champions include Ryan Garcia (25-2, 20ko’s), Devin Haney (33-0, 15ko’s), Rolly Romero (17-2, 13ko’s) and Lewis Crocker (22-0, 11ko’s).
Lopez was in London this Saturday to watch Conor Benn (25-1, 14ko’s) defeat Regis Prograis (30-4, 24ko’s) via unanimous decision.
Speaking to the Ring Magazine in North London, Lopez confirmed: “I’m going up to 147lbs, he’s going down to 147lbs, if the odds are there we can make it happen”.
When asked about a potential clash with Ryan Garcia, Lopez stated: “There’s been talks for sure, if Shakur and these other people don’t want to take up the risk, we’re willing to do it and step up to the plate”.
“That’s what we’re all about, you never know, maybe in the summer”.
Conor Benn is number one and mandatory challenger for Garcia’s WBC world title.
Reports suggest that the fight is being targeted for the summer.
Lopez may try to position himself in line for the winner.
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