Boxing
Teofimo Lopez confirmed against second 140lb opponent in December
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Teofimo Lopez makes his second appearance at 140lbs at Madison Square Garden in December.
The former four-belt lightweight champion will face Jose Pedraza, a former two-division champion, on December 10 at New York’s Madison Square Garden over 10 rounds.
The card will also feature a heavyweight clash between Jared Anderson and Jerry Forrest, along Xander Zayas who takes on Alexis Salazar, and Keyshawn Davis' fight against Juan Carlos Burgos at 135lbs.
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said: “Lopez is targeting a junior welterweight title shot in 2023, and Jose Pedraza is a Puerto Rican warrior hungry for another world title opportunity.”
Lopez became unified lightweight champion in October 2020 when he defeated Vasiliy Lomachenko in an upset victory.
He then suffered his own loss to an underdog when he fell to Australian Geroge Kambosos Jr last year, who in turn was beaten by Devin Haney as the unbeaten American became the division’s undisputed champion who is rumoured to be lining up Lomachenko next as the division’s belts could go full circle over the course of three years.
Lopez’s reaction to the Kambosos defeat was to move up to 140lbs after stating he was struggling at lightweight, and he stopped Pedro Campa in the seventh round in August on his 140lb debut.
He has talked up a fight with former undisputed light welterweight champion Josh Taylor and other names at 140lbs, but for now will focus on Pedraza.
