Teofimo Lopez Eyes Terence Crawford and Gervonta Davis in Bold Callout:
Teofimo Lopez, known for his brash confidence and fearless ambition, is not one to shy away from the biggest challenges in boxing. “Who would I be if I didn’t face the best? That is the only way I become greater,” Lopez once declared. True to his word, his latest target is none other than the two-time undisputed world champion, Terence “Bud” Crawford. Following Crawford’s recent dominance over Errol Spence Jr., where he scored three knockdowns before sealing the victory with a ninth-round TKO, Lopez is eager to step into the ring with the welterweight kingpin.
Lopez’s Ambitious Plans
Currently the WBO champion in a division just below Crawford’s, Lopez faces a unique challenge as Crawford moves up to 154 pounds to take on WBA titleholder Israil Madrimov on August 2. The question looms: will Lopez follow Crawford up to the new weight class? And can he do so in time, considering Crawford turns 37 in September and is nearing the twilight of his career?
In addition to his sights on Crawford, Lopez has also expressed interest in a clash with the undefeated Gervonta “Tank” Davis, who boasts a formidable record of 30-0 with 28 knockouts. Addressing Davis in a dismissive tone, Lopez’s confidence is unshaken as he contemplates the weight fluctuations required to fight both Crawford and Davis in their respective divisions.
Focused on the Future
Lopez, confident and eager ahead of his June 29 fight, faced a barrage of questions about his future rather than his immediate opponent. His upcoming bout is against 35-year-old Canadian journeyman Steve Claggett, who has seven losses on his record. In a recent interview with Fight Hub TV, Lopez laid out his plans for the future with remarkable clarity and bravado.
Throwing Down the Gauntlet
When asked about his next potential opponent, Lopez didn’t hesitate: “The big dog, the mac daddy of them all and that’s Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford.” Acknowledging Crawford’s impending departure from the sport, Lopez declared, “I’ll go up to 154, I’ll go up two weight classes. It’s been done before, why can’t Teofimo do it?”
Sensing skepticism from the media, Lopez doubled down: “Now you don’t believe it? I like it. Put your whole house on it so I can take it from you.” His plan is straightforward: face Crawford first, then move back down to challenge “mini-me” Gervonta Davis. “I will take Crawford first because Crawford is on his way out. Get him first, he’s the lineal champion, still we take him out and then we go back to the little mini-me and that’s Tank.”
Lopez’s Proven Track Record
Lopez’s confidence is backed by his track record of taking on and defeating elite fighters. In October 2020, he faced the highly skilled Vasyl Lomachenko, who held the WBA and WBO belts, and emerged victorious on points to become the unified world lightweight champion. Last year, he defeated Josh Taylor via unanimous decision to claim the WBO super-lightweight title, handing Taylor his first professional loss and solidifying Lopez’s status as a top contender.
Upcoming Bout with Claggett
Unlike his high-profile victories, Lopez’s next fight against Canadian boxer Steve Claggett at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida, is expected to be less challenging. After a controversial unanimous decision win over Jamaine Ortiz in his last fight, Lopez is using this bout to regain his confidence before pursuing higher-stakes matches.
Editor’s Insight: Lopez at a Crossroads
Teofimo Lopez stands at a critical juncture in his career. His ambition to fight both Terence Crawford and Gervonta Davis is audacious, but it’s also what makes Lopez one of the most exciting figures in boxing today. His willingness to jump weight classes and take on the best sets him apart from many of his peers. The outcome of his upcoming fight and his subsequent moves will significantly impact his legacy and place in the sport.
