By: Sean Crose
There actually wasn’t a lot to say about Saturday’s IBF junior welterweight title battle between defending champion Josh Taylor and Brooklyn’s Teofimo Lopez, besides that “The Takeover” had clearly taken over as soon as once more. Though he could have gained the primary few rounds, Taylor was just about dominated by Lopez at Madison Sq. Backyard’s Hulu Theater on Saturday night time. That’s till Lopez determined to essentially begin rocking his opponent. By the point the ultimate bell rang to finish the match, it was a surprise Taylor was nonetheless on his ft. Lopez’ efficiency was that one sided.
“I apologize as a person,” Lopez sincerely informed Taylor after formally profitable the battle by way of unanimous choice (he had beforehand stated he wished to kill the defending champion). “I’ve at all times been my worst critic,” he went on to say, referring to his personal self evaluation concerning his athletic efficiency. One factor is definite – Lopez, who hadn’t actually impressed anybody since his upset victory over Vasyl Lomachenko just a few years again – has returned to trying in prime type. If he continues to carry out like he did in opposition to Taylor, the person might be a tricky out for anybody he faces. “Congratulations to Teofimo,” Taylor stated graciously after the battle. “I’ve acquired no excuses.”
