What now for Teofimo Lopez?
The 140-pound titleholder went from a sensational unanimous determination victory over then-champion Josh Taylor in June to a shaky unanimous nod over Jamaine Ortiz on Thursday in Las Vegas, a end result some see as controversial.
Lopez (20-1, 13 KOs) gained the ultimate three rounds on all three playing cards to tug out the victory, 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113.
Ortiz (17-2-1, 8 KOs) employed a stick-and-move technique, which resulted in a boring combat by which Lopez chased — and customarily didn’t catch — his fast, succesful opponent.
Lopez was able to put his lackluster efficiency behind instantly after the combat, declaring that, “Glory is subsequent for me.”
His victory adopted a formidable efficiency by Olympic silver medalist and 135-pound contender Keyshawn Davis, who knocked out veteran Jose Pedraza in six rounds within the co-feature on Thursday.
Davis (10-0, 7 KOs) referred to as out Lopez, saying he was prepared to maneuver up in weight for the combat. Lopez engaged Davis at ringside however isn’t taking that potential matchup critically.
“We’re speaking a few light-weight,” Lopez mentioned. “He hasn’t performed something. Similar to Vasiliy Lomachenko informed me: If you wish to combat me, you’ve acquired to get a world title. If you wish to combat the king, get a world title.”
Lopez has three fellow titleholders, Devin Haney, Rolando Romero and Subriel Matias. And none of them can be found.
Haney and Ryan Garcia reportedly have agreed to satisfy on April 20, Romero is scheduled to defend towards Isaac Cruz on March 30 and Matias reportedly is in talks with Liam Paro.
That leaves Lopez with out an apparent dance associate in his division, which is perhaps one purpose he referred to as out a 147-pound champion who additionally occurs to be No. 1 pound-for-pound.
“None of those guys wish to combat me,” Lopez mentioned of his fellow junior welterweights. “I’ll combat Crawford at a catch weight. I’m right here. I’m prepared. I’ve all the time been prepared. I’m youthful, prettier and a two-time unified champion at 25.”
