Boxing Showdown: Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett – Everything You Need to Know:
The stage is set for a thrilling night in the world of boxing as Teofimo Lopez, the super lightweight champion, prepares to defend his WBO and Ring Magazine titles against Calgary’s own, Steve Claggett. This highly anticipated bout, taking place in Miami, Florida, marks Lopez’s second title defense since his sensational victory over Josh Taylor last June.
The Contenders
Teofimo Lopez, at just 26 years old, has already made a significant impact in the lightweight division. With titles like the WBO, WBA, and IBF under his belt, Lopez’s transition to the super lightweight category has been nothing short of impressive. Known for his explosive power and technical prowess, Lopez is now looking to solidify his dominance in this new weight class.
On the other side of the ring stands Steve Claggett, a 35-year-old fighter from Calgary, Alberta. Despite being relatively unknown compared to Lopez, Claggett is determined to make his mark. With the odds stacked against him, Claggett aims to deliver a shocking upset and seize the championship titles.
Event Details
The electrifying event will kick off at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT on Saturday at the James L. Knight Center in Miami Beach, Florida. Boxing enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the main event, scheduled for approximately 11:30 p.m. ET/9:30 p.m. PT. UK viewers can catch the action at 2 a.m. GMT, making it a late-night spectacle not to be missed.
How to Watch
For fans in the US, the fight will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes. Additionally, it can be streamed on ESPN+ with a subscription costing $10.99 per month or $109.99 annually. UK viewers can tune in to Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event for live coverage.
If you prefer the live atmosphere, tickets are still available on StubHub, ranging from $79 to $641, ensuring fans of all budgets can witness the excitement in person at the 4,569-capacity venue.
Undercard Highlights
The fight card features several intriguing matchups, adding to the evening’s excitement. One of the highlights includes Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Walsh (9-1-0) will face Sona Akale (9-1-0) in a rematch aiming to avenge his majority decision loss from last August. Both fighters share identical records, promising a competitive and intense bout.
Following this, fans will witness a clash for the vacant WBO NABO featherweight title between Robeisy Ramirez (13-2-0) and Brandon Leon Benitez (21-2-0). Ramirez, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, brings his technical brilliance to the ring, facing off against Benitez, who is eager to claim the title. This ten-round battle is expected to showcase high-level boxing and fierce determination from both contenders.
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Official Weigh-Ins
The fighters have completed their final weigh-ins, with Lopez coming in at 139.4 pounds and Claggett at 139.5 pounds. In the featherweight bout, Robeisy Ramirez weighed 124.8 pounds, while his opponent Brandon Leon Benitez exceeded the limit, weighing in at 127.1 pounds, making Ramirez the sole contender eligible for the title. Nico Ali Walsh and Sona Akale both made weight at 156.9 pounds and 156.3 pounds, respectively.
Anticipation and Emotions Run High
The air is thick with anticipation as the boxing community waits to see if Steve Claggett can defy the odds and dethrone the champion, Teofimo Lopez. Will Lopez’s power and skill prove too much for the underdog, or will Claggett rise to the occasion and deliver an unforgettable upset? The answers will unfold tonight in what promises to be a night of fierce punches, brilliant countermoves, and raw emotion.