TEOFIMIO LOPEZ must soon decide whether he wants to keep the light WBO title for light weight or give it up to focus on its potential battle in October against Jaron Boots ‘Boots’ Boots on the IBF RIYADH card.
WBO deadline
The Ring reported that the World Boxing Organization has ordered Teofimo (21-0, 13 KOS) to defend his 140-pound belt against the February 15 clash between 1 WBO Arnold Barboza JR. (31-0, 11 KOS) and #2 Jacques Catiraral (30-1, 13 Co).
TEO must defend his WBO title against the winner of that battle within 180 days, with A final date on August 14. Although it is definitely possible to defend Lopez for his title against the winner of Barboza JR-Catterall during that time, it is 100 % unrealistic that he will do this due to the risk of loss.
Le Pops of Brooklyn, New York, his fellow Lopez is well protected by promoters first over the past four years since George Cambusos Junior has been defeated by a 12 -round decision in 2021.
Even with a carefully identical rank in Teofimo, he still needs to save from defeats by the rulers who registered in his battles against Sandor Martin and Hammen Ortez in 2022 and 2024.
There was a talk about Teo fighting unification against the lightweight hero IBF Richardson Hitchens (19-0, 7 KOS), perhaps in April as part of the three Lopez deal that signed with Turki Al-Sichh.
However, since Teofimo did not mention that the fighting in the interviews, this indicates that it postpones this risky match. Lopez will avoid traditionally This type of fighting with each ounce of its entity. He is unable to overcome high -level talent such as Hitchens, and it will look ridiculous.
If Turki wants to take teofimo that battle against Hitchins, it may need to pay a heavy amount for it or withdraw it to the screaming ring. It is not clear how much Tio wants to fight against Hitchens, but it will not be surprising if it is a ridiculous number.
This is a terrible match for Lopez and will get a bad start with a single -side loss in a three -time deal with Turki. It will not be bad for the sheikh if he has an escape in his contract with Tudaimo to allow him to get out of the deal if he immediately loses in his first battle.
If Tio is unloaded by Hitchens in one side defeat, it will be useless to fight him against “Pots” Enes on the October Card in his Ryad. Boxing fans did not want to see Teofimo again to a battle with Ennis from losing the loss and four terrible offers against Steve Claggit, Gamaine Ortez, Sandor Martin and George Camposus Junior.
