Boxing
Lopez sees all roads to undisputed super-fight after latest loss
Romero vs Lopez: DAZN PPV & Prime Video - Saturday
Teofimo Lopez Jr. is in as good of a spot as possible following a stinging loss.
After being nearly shut out by Shakur Stevenson in a unanimous decision defeat at super lightweight this past January, Lopez already has a blueprint for how he can run the gauntlet toward undisputed welterweight glory in becoming the division’s first outright ruler since Terence Crawford in 2023.
His new journey launched last month when he signed a multi-fight agreement with DAZN. Saturday night marks its first plan into action as Lopez challenges for Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero’s WBA welterweight world title at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and live on DAZN PPV and Prime Video.
If successful there in becoming a three-division world champion, Lopez has already confirmed his ringside attendance at the same Las Vegas venue next month for another blockbuster bout.
That will be Ryan Garcia's WBC welterweight defence against Conor Benn on September 12 - and 'The Takeover' fully intends to challenge the winner in a star-studded unification bout.
"There are so many sides to Rolly"
Watch: Black2Sugars - Showbizz & Rolly
BUY NOW: Watch Romero vs. Lopez on DAZN PPV & Ultimate Tier
That’s plenty on the plate already, but Lopez is leaning into his foresight a bit further. He has an idea of who he might meet at the end of this collision course toward undisputed — none other than Devin Haney, who currently campaigns as the WBO welterweight champ.
“Yeah, we do [have to meet], I think it just comes to that conclusion,” Lopez exclusively told DAZN News about ultimately clashing with Haney.
"All the stuff that happened in the lightweight division. The dispute of undisputed and all these things, I think it will only make it right. It only makes sense.
“Whether it’s true about the rumors of him unifying with [IBF titleholder] Liam Paro,” he added, “then we’ll go on and face the winner of the WBC and meet at the end.
“I think that’s where my plan and goal is at.”
It’s a lofty ambition, which starts with unseating a formidable champ in Romero, who earned the WBA title by upsetting Garcia last spring in Times Square, New York City. Lopez credits ‘Rolly’ for his patience, and countering ability and shot selection that derives from it.
“My activity needs to be on point this time around,” Lopez offered, especially stemming from the loss to Stevenson. “We can’t really wait for him to be the aggressor.”
A win Saturday night and Lopez can look forward to Garcia vs. Benn on September 12. Facing that winner would pack intrigue outside of it being a unification bout for ‘The Takeover.’
Dating back to last year and reigniting this spring, Lopez and Garcia have engaged in what panned out to be false starts for hopes of a fight. A Benn win and Lopez would have the chance to possibly fight in London for the first time in his career.
And then there’s Haney. Lopez reigned as undefeated unified WBA, WBO and IBF lightweight champion of the world in 2021 with Haney representing the missing piece in the form of the WBC title.
Lopez referred to Haney as “email champion,” considering that ‘The Dream’ was elevated from interim WBC champ to full status champion by the governing body without having to fight for the title.
Meanwhile, Lopez was coming off the biggest victory of his career in soundly defeating legend Vasiliy Lomachenko via unanimous decision in October 2020.
However, when Lopez shockingly lost his three titles in a massive upset against George Kambosos Jr. in November 2021, Haney swooped in and defeated the Australian to become the undisputed lightweight ruler in June 2022.
He would fight Lomachenko, defeating the sweet scientist in a controversial decision which some thought should have swung in the Ukrainian’s favor.
All this being said, there is plenty of rooted contention between Lopez and Haney, just like there has been more recent heat between the Brooklyn, New Yorker and ‘King Ry.’
Of course, there is no love lost between rivals Haney and Garcia, either, making for exciting times in the division.
But for ‘The Takeover’ to be truly activated at welterweight, Lopez must make a statement Saturday night in his 147-pound debut.
“Our game plan is to take,” Lopez previewed. “Take the belt and takeover the division.”
Can Teofimo Lopez Jr. run the gauntlet at welterweight?
Analysis: DAZN News’ Mark Lelinwalla
The way ‘The Takeover’ laid out his welterweight roadmap to undisputed thrills sure sounds good: Defeat Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero for the WBA title, face the winner of Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn for the WBC strap and finally clash with Devin Haney at the end for hopefully the remaining pieces of 147-pound undisputed puzzle. But can it be done?
Well, let’s start with this weekend in Las Vegas, where the challenger Lopez is installed as the favorite by oddsmakers. I see Lopez’s speed and overall skills getting the better of Romero’s strength en route to a title win there. I also think Lopez’s sorcery would spell problems for either Garcia or Benn thereafter.
A potential Haney vs. Lopez clash would be closer and a tougher one to call as Haney has the boxing skills to keep ‘The Takeover’ at bay as long as he could stay away from the pop in Lopez’s punch.
All this being said, there is daylight on Lopez seeing his goal to fruition. He can make that picture take shape Saturday night by emphatically sending a message to the rest of the division. Then, 'The Takeover' can commence.
