Teofimo Lopez Next Fight Revealed: IBF Orders George Kambosos Jr. to Fight the Unified Lightweight Champion

The year 2020 went down as one to remember for Teofimo Lopez. He put on an enthralling performance against Vasyl Lomachenko to signify his reign in the lightweight division. Lopez even got awarded with The Ring Magazine’s Fighter of the Year for 2020.

That said, IBF has now officially ordered ‘The Takeover’ to defend his lightweight title against the number 10 lightweight contender, George Kambosos Jr.

Kambosos bagged the mandatory status after defeating Lee Selby in October last year.

‘Ferocious’ is an undefeated staunch contender in the 135-pound division with an amazing track-record of 19 wins. The Australian boxer is a former sparring partner of boxing’s all-time great, Manny Pacquiao. His big split decision win over Mickey Bey set him up for a fight with Lee Selby.

Initially, the Lee Selby bout got scheduled for May 2020, but the pandemic put this fight on hold. It later shifted to October, and Kambosos was the clear winner of this bout.

He has a slight edge over Lopez with 3 extra fights and wins. Coming into this fight, Kambosos will look to maintain his streak and dethrone ‘The Takeover’.

The IBF has ordered the duo to come to terms by February 6th.

Read – Teofimo Lopez Sr. Recalls When He Almost Got Slapped by Mike Tyson

Will this fight be a cakewalk for Teofimo Lopez?

‘The Takeover’ has risen to the top of his division in no time. Every time he steps inside the ring, he makes sure to get his hand raised. Lopez has an astonishing ability to walk his opponents down by applying constant pressure on them. Over the years, he has developed a style difficult to beat.

Kambosos enjoys taking his fights long, whereas Lopez sets up his opponents for a quick finish.

In his last fight with Lomachenko, Lopez showed the world his ability to march on his opponents in the latter half of the fight as well. ‘The Takeover’ wouldn’t mind this fight going the distance either.

He will look to exploit ‘Ferocious’ by catching his weak points right from the first gong. Kambosos Jr will do his best to take the fight where he is most comfortable.

TKO or a 12-round war? How do you envisage this fight going?