Teofimo Lopez Might Consider Activating His Special Status To Fight Terence Crawford

Teofimo Lopez defended the WBO super-lightweight championship against Jamaine Ortiz in Las Vegas. Lopez has genuine aspirations of moving up another weight class to challenge the undisputed welterweight champion, Terence Crawford, and has called him out on many occasions. From calling ‘Bud’s opponents ‘handicapped’ to claiming Canelo Alvarez could give Crawford an upset, Lopez has been trying his best to get the P4P king’s attention. This time, he might have a foolproof plan to get him inside the ring.

Crawford has been busy snapping back at Lopez but at the same time refusing to engage in a match with him. Will Lopez be able to pull Crawford to fight him this time?

Teofimo Lopez to use his ‘super champion’ status

As Michael Benson reported, Lopez might use his ‘super champion’ privileges to secure a fight with Crawford. The WBO approved two-time division champion Lopez’s request for ‘super champion’ status last September. The decision was unanimously supported by a 24-person committee following a request from Top Rank on Lopez’s behalf. This designation provides Lopez with various benefits, including the flexibility to extend the timeframe between mandatory title defenses and pursue significant and legacy-defining fights.

Additionally, as a WBO Super Champion, Lopez can petition for immediate mandatory challenger status in another weight division, including his own, should he lose the physical WBO title in the ring or by other means. Although the ruling didn’t specify, Lopez could potentially enter the WBO welterweight rankings as the mandatory challenger if he chooses to pursue a third divisional championship. This is the new weapon Lopez has plans to employ if Crawford does not give in to his provocations.

Are Shakur Stevenson and Keyshawn Davis trying to prevent a Crawford vs Lopez?

Lopez remains steadfast in his determination to face Terence Crawford, dismissing the noise generated by Keyshawn Davis and Shakur Stevenson as a deliberate distraction to prevent him from fighting what he describes as ‘their mack daddy.’ Lopez criticized Davis, suggesting that he seeks an easy path to fame without notable accomplishments in boxing. He emphasized his own achievements, becoming a world champion at just 22 years old, contrasting them with Davis’ relatively modest accolades.

Read More: “I Don’t Clout Chase”: Teofimo Lopez Wants Terence Crawford to ‘Solidify’ His Legacy Ahead of Jamaine Ortiz Fight

Lopez believes that Davis and Stevenson, along with others, are hesitant to see him challenge Crawford, whom he views as the ultimate test. Despite his willingness to fight Crawford at a catchweight between 147 and 154 pounds, Lopez perceives Crawford’s response as evasive, further solidifying his belief that Crawford is avoiding a matchup with him.

Lopez seems to be at the end of his patience trying to chase Crawford. Do you think a fight with Crawford would be a good idea for the boxer? Who would you place your bets on in a fight like this? Let us know in the comments below.

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