Emerging reports suggest that a mega-fight between Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney is currently being looked into. Since the infamous clash against Ryan Garcia, Haney has yet to make a return. The last few months witnessed a few lineup rumors; however, none came to fruition. As he looks forward to a forceful comeback, many feel Haney could benefit from a warm-up fight before a leap over to a big one.

Nevertheless, as they came across the news report, fans soon took to their keyboards and started penning through thoughts. Teofimo Lopez had been comparatively active. After the February title defense against Jamaine Ortiz, ‘The Takeover’ defeated Steve Claggett on June 29.

Devin Haney versus Teofimo Lopez: Just shy of the goal

Borrowing excerpts from a Forbes story, an Instagram post stated, “According to a recent Forbes article, Devin Haney’s return fight is currently in negotiations, and it is a mega fight against Teofimo Lopez ❗️”

According to the Forbes piece, if the two sides agree for the fight, then Lopez and Haney would headline one of 2025’s biggest cards. However, as of now, details such as purse or date are still not available. Bob Arum’s Top Rank could promote the showdown, with ESPN pitching in for the live broadcast.

Before they joined the 140 pounds, it is interesting to note that both Haney and Lopez at one point dominated the lightweight division. With his phenomenal win over Vasyl Lomachenko, Lopez held the unified titles, and Haney was the WBC champion. However, to everyone’s surprise, despite being so close, their two never stepped in for a dance.

Go forward thoughtfully.

The emergence of two distinct camps became clear as the comments started pouring in. Let’s check what some of them had to say.

Supremely confident in Teofimo Lopez’s ability to obliterate Devin Haney, this fan wondered how the matchup would be treated as a tune-up. “Teo as a bounce back fight? Haney won’t get off the canvas this time 💯,” the fan said. Echoing similar sentiments, the next one suggested Haney proceed with a low-stakes match before jumping over to big payday. “Yeah, I doubt this Haney return fight; he better take a tune-up fight first. Teofimo is not sweet at all.”

Taunting Haney, this user cautioned Lopez against harming the former undisputed champion, lest he ends up facing a lawsuit as it happened in Ryan Garcia’s case. “Don’t hurt him too bad; he will have you charged for battery weak af🤦🏽”

However, a few supporters of ‘The Dream’ rallied behind their icon. For instance, should the match occur, this fan believes it will end in Devin Haney’s favor unanimously. Given their fight over the lightweight’s undisputed title never took off, perhaps Teofimo Lopez might be under the impression that Haney is a spent force, the fan opined. This is what they said: “Teo thinks Devin is a lick right now because he should’ve fought him for undisputed at lightweight, but I got Devin by unanimous decision.”

The next follower believes if Devin Haney stays disciplined and remains focused on boxing, then he will defeat Teofimo Lopez. Nevertheless, they suspected many skeptics crying wolf, even if Haney scored a legitimate victory. “If Haney stays disciplined, just Box, he will win, and the majority will still cry and hate him about cheating Garcia. 😂”

If the fight does get made, then it will undeniably be one of 2025’s biggest matches.

Who will have the upper hand? At this stage, it might be difficult to speculate. However, if one leans on historical records, ‘The Dream’ might be enjoying an edge. Not once but twice, he traveled to Australia and delivered a boxing clinic while inflicting consecutive defeats to George Kambosos Jr. The Australian, if fans might recall, remains the only fighter to date who caused ‘The Takeover’s first career loss. However, that’s in the past and boxer’s change. Many fans will keep their fingers crossed for a stylistically superb bout to make it through negotiations.

What is your take on the Haney-Lopez matchup? Between the two, who will be your pick for the win?