Let’s exchange the slap for a punch! Yes, that seems to be Teofimo Lopez‘s educated thought when he learned about Gervonta Davis‘ audacious claim. Searching for his next dance partner, Lopez is on a call-out spree. Divisional restrictions don’t perturb him in particular. The much-publicized verbal spat with Terence Crawford remains fresh in many memories.

Lopez may have lowered the sights. From Crawford’s light middleweight, he has zeroed in on the welterweight, where Jaron Ennis rules the roost. Nevertheless, he seems open to a showdown with other members of his weight class, including those in lower divisions, such as Gervonta Davis. At the opposite corner, though, when asked about a square-up against Lopez, the Baltimore-born lightweight champion had other thoughts. ‘The Takeover’ and his father feel it’s high time ‘Tank’ proves that he can shoot to kill.

Teofimo Lopez Sr.: Gervonta Davis doesn’t measure up

A reporter checked for Lopez Senior’s thoughts on champions like Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson, and Devin Haney. Including Teofimo Lopez, they were all divisional contemporaries at one time or another. Last year, while Haney and Lopez joined the 140-pound roster, Shakur Stevenson filled in the void at lightweight. “You were talking about the guys that years ago, that Tank that don’t have the power, don’t have the chin to be able to take it, and you mentioned Devin Haney. How do you feel about that?” the reporter asked.

Senior shared that he could foresee the predicament years ago. As they climbed divisions, their skills would deplete. To make his case, he picked Gervonta Davis. “Tank is a one-punch wonder because he only got that left hand…he’s got a pretty good way of moving and stuff like that, but he’s not like that great. You know, my son hits with both hands,” Lopez Senior argued.

Perhaps under Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s influence, ‘Tank’ Davis developed an aversion to taking risks, Lopez Senior explained while sharing his thoughts on Davis’ potential retirement. Despite his skills, ‘Tank’ does not stand a chance against his son. “And then he’s calling, and he’s so stupid because he’s announcing that he’s going to confront us and slap my son. I want to see that happen,” said ‘The Takeover’s father.

For the context at the kickoff press conference of the upcoming title defense against Lamont Roach Jr., Gervonta Davis said, “I’m gonna slap sh*t out of him when I see him,” when asked for a matchup against Teofimo Lopez.

Teofimo Lopez Jr.: Let’s get rolling, ‘Tank’

The reporter turned to Teofimo Lopez. “Listen, just let me know when you’re going to do it so I have ESPN there. We get a ring, and we do it in the ring. There you go; we fight, you know,” the light welterweight champion responded. At the Footprint Center, where he went to see the headliner between Emanuel Navarrete and stablemate Oscar Valdez, Lopez shared similar thoughts while responding to a reporter from Fight Hype.

Gervonta Davis has fought in the 140-pound weight class. But it’s uncertain whether he will be open to yet another adventure. Given his retirement plans, he might be looking to settle old scores with Ryan Garcia, along with addressing a few other unresolved matters. So where Teofimo Lopez will fit in time alone will tell eventually.

Following the title defenses that drew a fair share of criticism, Teofimo Lopez needs a fight that will not only elevate his legacy but prove a lucrative venture as well. Fans will have to wait and watch as new developments unfold in the 140-pound division.

Do you feel Gervonta Davis should take a risk and accept Teofimo Lopez’s challenge?