Only One Man Stands Between Teofimo Lopez and His Ambition to Become the King of 140 Division

The roadblock: Devin Haney

As Teofimo Lopez gears up for his imminent showdown with Jamaine Ortiz, the boxing community can’t help but cast its gaze further ahead. The real litmus test for Lopez’s claim to the super lightweight throne isn’t Ortiz – it’s Devin Haney. This impending matchup with Ortiz, scheduled for February 8 at the Michelob ULTRA Arena, is more than just another title defense for Lopez. It’s a prelude to the ultimate challenge that Haney represents.

Recently, Lopez’s rivalry with Haney has transcended the bounds of the ring. Spilling over into a war of words involving Haney’s father. Lopez, known for his brash confidence, has not shied away from this verbal sparring. “I beat the guy that was the man in the division, so I am king,” Lopez declared. Directly placing Haney in his crosshairs. His words echo with the certainty of a champion who has surmounted great odds, but they also betray a recognition of the formidable adversary that Haney is.

Haney, on the other hand, remains a looming figure in Lopez’s journey. Almost a gatekeeper to his undisputed claim. This isn’t just about defending titles; it’s about cementing a legacy. For Lopez, defeating Haney is the key to unequivocally proving his dominance in the 140-pound division.

In essence, while the Ortiz fight is a crucial step, it’s the shadow of Haney that looms large over Lopez’s ambitions. It’s this ultimate challenge that will truly test his claim to the throne of the super lightweight division.

But are we forgetting Ryan Garcia?

The Ryan Garcia factor for Teofimo Lopez

Transitioning to another potential rival in the 140-pound division, Ryan Garcia emerges as a noteworthy figure in the narrative of Teofimo Lopez’s career. Despite Garcia’s rising prominence, a past incident where Lopez declined a fight with him brings an intriguing dimension to this tale. This decision wasn’t a mere oversight; it was a calculated move by Lopez, reflective of his strategic approach to his boxing journey.

Lopez’s rejection of the fight was marked by a candid explanation. “When you’re the best, you bring major sponsors, endorsements, big major business deals,” he stated, emphasizing his status in the sport. His words, “When you offer me a 1.5 [million dollars] stake in the piece, f**k you,” reflect not just his confidence but also his awareness of his worth in the boxing market. This decision to turn down the fight was less about avoiding Garcia and more about asserting his value in the sport.

Lopez’s stance on the proposed bout with Garcia also highlights his broader vision for his career. “What’s next for me is worldwide takeover,” he proclaimed, signaling his ambition to elevate his status globally, not just within the confines of specific matchups or divisions. This mindset reveals a strategic approach to selecting fights, where the potential opponent’s stature and the fight’s impact on his career trajectory are critical considerations.

In this context, Garcia, while a formidable fighter, represents a future possibility rather than an immediate challenge for Lopez. The dynamics within the super lightweight division are fluid. And as Garcia continues to establish his mantle at 140, a future clash with Lopez could materialize as a high-stakes encounter. However, for now, Garcia’s path in the division is still taking shape, delineating him as a separate entity in Lopez’s current roadmap.

Also Read: “It’s About Damn Time”: Teofimo Lopez Fires Back At Bill Haney For Recent Remarks Over Terence Crawford Debacle

Ultimately, the question that looms over the boxing community is not just about who will emerge victorious in these individual battles. It’s about how these fights will shape the legacy of Teofimo Lopez in the annals of boxing history. Is Lopez’s path to supremacy a well-calculated journey destined for glory? Or will it be a tale of missed opportunities and what-ifs? What do you think will be the defining moment in Lopez’s pursuit of greatness in the 140-pound division?

Watch This Story: Teofimo Lopez Warns Eddie Hearn of DAZN’s Inevitable Collapse