Teófimo López (19-1-0, 13 KO) has changed his mind again. The American of Honduran origin announced his retirement a few hours after defeating Josh Taylor (19-1-0, 13 KO) and proclaiming himself the World Boxing Organization (WBO) super lightweight champion. Although it was already seen that this decision would not be permanent, López confirmed it after refusing to vacate the belt. He assures that he has important fights in mind and has challenged Devin Haney (30-0-0, 15 KO) through social networks.
“I’m coming out of retirement because the next move was for Devin Haney to fight Arnold Barboza for my WBO 140 pound championship title.. What the f **** to that. I’m tired of helping this kid to be something he’s not. This is a true champion! ”, Teófimo López shared on his Twitter account, making it clear that he already the idea of hanging up the gloves had gone from his head. Haney was quick to respond to the American of Honduran origin, accepting the challenge. “For starters, your ass never retired. Let’s see if you really want the fight. I’m going to be the 140 (pound) champion anyway. You asked for 20 million the last time my father spoke to you.”, revealed the undisputed champion. López responded indignantly, assuring that he had not proposed any number. “That? 20 million? I didn’t even indicate the location of the fight, much less put a price on it. What are you talking about, man?! Start losing weight and we’ll give fight fans a DREAM!dreamsHaney’s nickname) who WILL TAKE CONTROL (takeoverthe nickname of Teófimo) of BOXING!”, closed López.
The two-weight world champion announced his retirement at the age of 25, a few hours after being crowned in his new division. He defeated Josh Taylor by a resounding unanimous decision last month at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Teófimo was coming off a losing streak since he lost his undisputed lightweight title to George Kambosos (20-2-0, 10 KOs) in November 2021. He fell by split decision in a fight that was a war. The Australian lost his crown to Devin Haney a few months later, and was unable to win it back in a rematch.
Teofimo chained two wins after the defeatone with the Mexican Pedro Campa (34-3-1, 23 KO) by TKO in the seventh round and another with the Spanish Sandor Martín (40-3-0, 13 KO) by split decision. And he proved that he was still a champion by being crowned in a second weight class. He became the WBO super lightweight champion by defeating the undefeated Josh Taylor by unanimous decision in a bout that featured in Madison. He controlled the fight and annulled the Irishman, who was defending the last belt he had left (he had given up the others for an interest in changing categories).
There are several fighters who offered to face Teofimo when he announced his retirement with a photograph through his Instagram account. Regis Prograis (29-1-0, 24 KO), WBC super lightweight champion, told him that he could not retire without having faced him, and López revealed that Ryan García (23-1-0, 19 KO) had written to him to face. The WBO reported that if Teófimo left the title vacant, it would order a clash between Arnold Barboza Jr. (28-0-0, 10 KOs) and Jose Carlos Ramirez (28-1-0, 18 KOs), so, it is likely that the American’s challenger will be one of these two fighters.
