The Dragon’s Journey: Steve Claggett’s Path to the Ring and His Fight for Glory
As Teofimo Lopez prepares to defend his WBO super lightweight and Ring Magazine titles, his opponent, Steve Claggett, stands ready for the fight of his life. On June 29th at the James L. Knight Center in Miami Beach, Florida, Claggett will step into the ring, aiming to pull off a monumental upset against one of the best in the division. But who is Steve Claggett, and what drives him as he prepares for this pivotal bout?
Claggett’s Training Ground: Underdog Boxing Gym
Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Claggett has found his training home at the Underdog Boxing Gym in Montreal, Quebec. Under the watchful eye of head coach Mike Moffa, Claggett has honed his skills and prepared meticulously for this moment. Moffa, a former Canadian champion with a storied amateur career, has been instrumental in Claggett’s development.
In the 1980s, Moffa trained with legends like Joe Gatti and Arturo Gatti under Dave Campanile’s guidance. Despite his early retirement from professional boxing at just 22, Moffa transitioned into coaching, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to his trainees. Since joining Underdog Gym in 2008, Moffa has been dedicated to nurturing promising fighters, and Claggett is his latest protégé.
The Turning Point: Claggett’s Encounter with Moffa
Claggett’s journey to Moffa’s tutelage is a tale of resilience and a thirst for improvement. After a split decision loss to Mathieu Germain in an all-Canadian tournament, Claggett sought out Germain’s trainer, Mike Moffa, eager to learn from the defeat. “What you showed him against me, I want you to teach me how to do it,” Claggett told Moffa. Since then, Claggett has gone on an eight-fight win streak, showcasing the transformative impact of Moffa’s training.
“He’s talented, athletic… for me, it’s just that he didn’t learn the right technique and movements,” Moffa said of Claggett. “Is it too late, at 34 years old? No, it’s not too late because every month, he adds little things that I teach him.”
A Glimpse into Greatness: Training at Mayweather’s Gym
Claggett’s determination to excel has led him to train in some of the best boxing environments, including Floyd Mayweather’s gym in Las Vegas. In 2013, as Mayweather prepared for his mega-fight against Canelo Alvarez, Claggett trained at the Mayweather gym, soaking in the high-energy atmosphere and learning invaluable lessons.
“My team and I decided that I would come down and do a sparring trip just to get some great work in and bring the momentum back, stay sharp and take care of business come fight night,” Claggett recalled. His time at the gym paid off, as he returned to Canada to claim the Canadian welterweight title with a sixth-round knockout of Francesco Cotroni.
Even years later, Claggett credits his experiences at Mayweather’s gym for shaping his professional career. “A lot of the things that I learned in the professional ranks came from being at that gym,” he told Boxing World in November 2023. He frequently traveled between Calgary and Las Vegas, integrating the lessons learned into his training regimen.
The Fight Ahead: Claggett vs. Lopez
All the hard work and training have led Steve Claggett to this moment. Facing Teofimo Lopez, a formidable opponent with victories over Vasyl Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, Claggett knows the challenge that lies ahead. But with the guidance of Mike Moffa and the lessons from his time at Mayweather’s gym, Claggett is ready to seize his opportunity for greatness.
This bout represents more than just a fight for a title—it’s a chance for Claggett to rewrite his career narrative and prove his mettle on the grandest stage. If he triumphs over Lopez, the doors to new opportunities will open, and perhaps, a permanent place at the Mayweather gym will become a reality.
Editorial Insight: The Underdog’s Dream
Claggett’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From his training in Montreal to his stints in Las Vegas, Claggett embodies the spirit of an underdog fighting for his moment in the spotlight. As he prepares to face Lopez, the boxing world watches with bated breath, ready to witness whether ‘The Dragon’ can breathe fire and clinch victory.