After months of disagreements with High Rank, Teofimo Lopez has made his place clear concerning his future.
Lopez and his promoters haven’t been in a position to agree on a combat plan since final yr, leaving the WBN 2020 Fighter of the 12 months in limbo. Throughout that point, Lopez started cozying as much as Turki Alalshikh and has since publicly displayed affection for Saudi Arabia and Ring Journal.
Regardless of Bob Arum’s assertion that he’s attempting to work issues out with a contract nonetheless in place, Lopez appears eager to maneuver on.
“The Saudis have come to us and talked about making a three-fight take care of Teofimo, which we like very a lot. Now the ball’s in Teofimo’s court docket to get his approval,” Arum advised Combat Hype.
“The Saudis have stepped as much as the plate, and so far as High Rank is worried, we’re happy with the provide and the association. Now it’s as much as Teofimo. I’ll be again in Vegas on Saturday, so I’ll be contacting Teofimo and his individuals. We’ll see the place it goes from there.”
Lopez wasted no time displaying new loyalty to Alalshikh, with Arum hoping to stay concerned in some capability.
“We’ve had a superb relationship with Teofimo,” added Arum. “However there comes a time after they’re seeking to fly somewhat bit on their very own. That’s common, and that occurs, however I feel Teofimo will just like the package deal that the Saudis have offered. We’ll go ahead with him on that foundation.”
On Wednesday, the WBO stipulated that Lopez would defend his title in opposition to the winner of Jack Catterall vs. Arnold Barboza. The combat will happen on February 15 in England, and Lopez will face whoever is victorious by August.
“Lopez should discharge his obligatory obligation in opposition to the winner of Catterall vs Barboza inside 180 days after their bout to terminate interim standing and guarantee a single WBO junior welterweight [super lightweight] champion,” stated WBO President Gustavo Olivieri.
Re: Decision -Teofimo Lopez & @WorldBoxingOrg 140 lbs.Lopez MUST discharge his obligatory obligation in opposition to the winner of Catterall/Barboza inside 180 days after their bout to terminate interim standing and guarantee a single WBO Jr. Welterweight champion.https://t.co/364mRlSByU
— Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. (@OlivieriLaw) January 29, 2025
The official WBO letter continues, “Failure to adjust to the situations outlined herein will set off this Committee’s intervention to implement the WBO rules of World Championship Contests.
“The situations herein are integrated by reference within the official sanction letter for the Catterall vs Barboza bout with full pressure and impact. All related events herein acknowledge, perceive, and settle for the phrases and situations set forth herein.”
It’s unknown whether or not going through Catterall or Barboza can be a part of that Saudi plan. Lopez might resolve to maneuver as much as welterweight earlier than or after another title protection at 140.
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Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Study extra in regards to the writer, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Observe on Twitter @PhilJWBN and Quora.
