The next mega-fight is looming in international boxing: Super-lightweight world champion Teofimo Lopez has announced his resignation and wants to fight again. The reason: Lightweight champion Devin Haney wants to rise a limit and claw Lopez’ belt. The shreds are already flying verbally.
“Yeah, Devin Haney, since you expressed interest in my WBO belt so quickly. Let’s do the fight for the world to see who wants the action. I have the crown in this weight class so don’t run away! Bitch!” , tweeted Lopez via social media.
The American won the WBO title in the 63.5 kilogram limit on June 10 in the Madison Square Garden theater with a clear victory on points over the Scotsman Josh Taylor. After that, “The Takeover” announced that he would be giving up his boxing gloves at the age of 25.
Lopez said he was coming out of retirement because Haney had his eye on his WBO belt. WBO boss Paco Valcarcel confirmed a little later that the world champion had informed him not to give up his title.
Haney holds the titles of all major associations (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) in the lightweight division (up to 61.2 kilos), and has the right to fight for the world title directly in the WBO if he is promoted to super lightweight. An option that Haney wanted to pull – Arnol Barboza was ready as an opponent – Lopez is now thwarting these plans.
Boxing: Teofimo Lopez Wants ‘Dream Fight’ Against Devin Haney
“F*** all of this, I’m tired of helping this boy (Haney, ed.) be something he’s not: a true champion,” Lopez sneered. Haney didn’t take long to ask and wedged back via Twitter. “You never resigned. Let’s see if you want the fight. I’ll be super lightweight champ anyway,” said the 24-year-old.
Haney accused Lopez of making excessive demands. His compatriot claimed a fee of 20 million dollars. Of course, Lopez didn’t want to let that stand. “What are you talking about. Lose weight and we’ll sort out the rest so we can give the fans a dream fight.”
It would be the next boxing hit of the year. Haney had already defeated superstar Vassiliy Lomachenko on points in Las Vegas in May. At the end of July, undefeated welterweight champions Terence Crawford and Errol Spence jr. on each other. And in the heavyweight division, a duel between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder is on the agenda – provided “AJ” beats Dillian Whyte on August 12.