Teofimo Lopez: Everyone Wants Me to Take Hardest Fights “So The Rest Can Have an Easy Route” at 140

The 140-pound division is brimming with talent, at least that’s what the fans see. But it seems Teofimo Lopez doesn’t share the same thoughts. The WBO champion, coming off a disappointing performance against Jamaine Ortiz, has picked a not-so-prominent name as his next title defense. The question looms. Is he picking easy opponents? Or is there a genuine dearth of eye-popping names in the division?

The American fighter received flak as he announced his fight with Steve Claggett for June 29. Fans have questioned his choice, as they wanted him to have a bout with someone more exciting. However, that didn’t happen. Now, the 26-year-old has clarified his stance. What did he say?

Teofimo Lopez explains the landscape at 140

‘The Takeover’ turned to his X handle and detailed the situation in the 140 division. He pointed out that all fighters were slated to fight each other. Devin Haney is going against Ryan Garcia in April and Subriel Matias is rumored to take on Liam Paro in June. So, that leaves him with no big names. But Lopez also believed everyone wanted him to take out a tough opponent so that the rest could have a simple path ahead.

Lopez wrote, “All these other fighters are booked for fights and to be real the 140 division is not as stacked as you all make it seem. I told myself and to @trboxing I will fight 3-4 times this year. Everyone just wants me to take out the hardest fights so the rest can have an easy route!”

Notably, Claggett is on a 9-win streak, 8 of which came as a knockout. In addition, the Canadian fighter is currently ranked #7 with the WBC, 13th with the WBO, and 15th with the IBF. He was scheduled to fight Mike Ohan Jr. but got a call from Lopez’s team, so he dropped out of the fight. Meanwhile, Robert Garcia has admitted that his team was offered Lopez for a fighter whom everyone has avoided at 135.

Read More: Teofimo Lopez Questioned for Choosing Steve Claggett Over Boxer Whom “None of the 135 Champs Are Willing to Fight”

‘The Takeover’ questioned for his pick

Garcia turned to his X handle and admitted that Raymond Muratalla was offered Lopez. But the WBO champion has picked someone else now. Garcia wrote, “Raymond Muratalla was offered @TeofimoLopez for this date. Seeing how none of the 135 champs are willing to fight Raymond we said yes. Didnt hesitate. And this is what they choose?”

No one is sure what went on behind the scenes or why Lopez chose Claggett over Muratalla. It remains to be seen how Lopez will handle Claggett next and whether he will turn in an exciting performance on June 29.

What do you make of these comments by Teofimo Lopez? Do you believe Steve Claggett is a worthy opponent for him, or should he pick someone else? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: Keyshawn Davis Wants to Settle Ongoing Beef With Teofimo Lopez in Ring, Asks to ‘Send a Contract’