After months of disagreements with High Rank, Teofimo Lopez has made his place clear concerning his future.
Lopez and his promoters haven’t been capable of agree on a struggle plan since final 12 months, 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 cope with Teofimo, which we like very a lot. Now the ball’s in Teofimo’s courtroom to get his approval,” Arum informed Struggle Hype.
“The Saudis have stepped as much as the plate, and so far as High Rank is anxious, 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 once they’re seeking to fly just a little bit on their very own. That’s commonplace, and that occurs, however I believe Teofimo will just like the package deal that the Saudis have introduced. We’ll go ahead with him on that foundation.”
On Wednesday, the WBO stipulated that Lopez would defend his title towards the winner of Jack Catterall vs. Arnold Barboza. The struggle will happen on February 15 in England, and Lopez will face whoever is victorious by August.
“Lopez should discharge his necessary obligation towards 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,” mentioned WBO President Gustavo Olivieri.
Re: Decision -Teofimo Lopez & @WorldBoxingOrg 140 lbs.Lopez MUST discharge his necessary obligation towards 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 circumstances outlined herein will set off this Committee’s intervention to implement the WBO rules of World Championship Contests.
“The circumstances herein are included by reference within the official sanction letter for the Catterall vs Barboza bout with full drive and impact. All related events herein acknowledge, perceive, and settle for the phrases and circumstances set forth herein.”
It’s unknown whether or not dealing with Catterall or Barboza shall be a part of that Saudi plan. Lopez might resolve to maneuver as much as welterweight earlier than or after yet one more title protection at 140.
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Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Be taught extra concerning the writer, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Comply with on Twitter @PhilJWBN and Quora.
