Lopez Eyes Crawford After Claggett Victory
Teofimo Lopez has confirmed his desire to face Terence Crawford next, following his recent win over Steve Claggett. Despite his victory, fans speculate that Lopez’s relentless pursuit of a Crawford fight is driven more by the lucrative payday than confidence in a win.
Desperate Campaign for a Crawford Showdown
Lopez’s performance in recent years has been inconsistent, and many believe his best days are behind him. At 26, Lopez should be at his peak, but his fights against Claggett, Jamaine Ortiz, and Sandor Martin suggest a decline in form. This perceived downturn has fueled his persistent calls for a fight with Crawford.
Unanimous Decision Over Claggett
In Miami, Lopez defended his WBO light welterweight title with a twelve-round unanimous decision over Claggett, winning by scores of 120-108, 120-108, and 119-110. Despite the clear victory, Lopez emerged from the fight with swollen eyes, a testament to Claggett’s relentless punching early on.
Lopez’s Waning Power at 140 lbs
The fight against Claggett was yet another bout where Lopez couldn’t secure a knockout, highlighting a potential decline in his power at the 140-pound weight class compared to his days at 135.
Triple Crown Ambition and Retirement Plans
Lopez, promoted by Top Rank, has ambitious plans to become a three-division world champion and hinted at retirement if he defeats Crawford. However, many view his chances of securing a fight with Crawford as slim, rendering his proclamations more fanciful than feasible.
Targeting the Welterweight Division
Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) has his eyes set on the welterweight division, expressing interest in fighting Brian Norman Jr. if a bout with Crawford doesn’t materialize. “I’m a guy that likes to take risks. So, 147, three-division world champion at 27, sounds like a good ring for me,” Lopez told the Title Sports Network after his win over Claggett.
Skepticism Surrounds Lopez’s Risk-Taking Claims
Critics find it hard to take Lopez seriously when he claims to take risks, noting his recent choice of opponents. Claggett, a fringe contender with eight losses, was not a high-risk fight, casting doubt on Lopez’s willingness to truly challenge himself.
Revisiting Lopez’s Fight History
Lopez’s last significant risk was against Vasily Lomachenko in 2020. His subsequent fight with George Kambosos Jr. was expected to be an easy win, but Lopez was outmaneuvered by the Australian, suffering a surprising loss. Since then, his fights have been strategically safe.
Pathway to Crawford: Brian Norman Jr. and Beyond
If Lopez is serious about taking risks, he should consider fighting Brian Norman Jr. for the WBO welterweight title to build momentum and public pressure for a Crawford bout. “I look forward to more legacy. Whether Brian Norman is the next guy or whether it’s Crawford,” said Lopez.
The Financial Motivation Behind the Crawford Pursuit
Many fans believe Lopez’s pursuit of Crawford is financially motivated. Without fighting at 147 or 154 to earn a rightful shot, and not facing top opposition at 140 to boost his profile, Lopez’s calls for Crawford seem driven by the prospect of a big payday rather than genuine competitive spirit.
Lopez’s Bold Call-Out to Crawford
Undeterred by public skepticism, Lopez remains vocal about his desire to face Crawford. “Yeah, I do. I want Terence Crawford. I don’t care what people think. If you think I’m a chump and easy guy, bring it on. Finish me already. I want Terence Crawford. He’s the only last guy to get the triple crown for me. For me, he’s the last guy, and maybe I could hang it up after that,” Lopez boldly declared.
