“We Support the Fighters That We Feel Have the Biggest Upside, Whatever Their Ethnicity Is”: After Being Accused of Racism by Two Boxers, Bob Arum Addresses “Ridiculous” Remarks

Legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum has come out and responded to the accusations made by former lightweight championTeofimo Lopez. The Brooklyn native became famous following his upset victory over Vasyl Lomachenko to win the unified lightweight titles in 2020. However, he would lose the titles in his first title defense to Geroge Kambosos Jr.

Despite the setback, Lopez moved up to the 140-pound weight class and achieved victories in two subsequent fights. He secured a TKO victory over Pedro Campa and continued the streak with a decision win against Sandor Martin in December. He is now set to face former undisputed champion Josh Taylor on June 10th, a highly anticipated bout in the boxing world. Lopez had recently voiced his bitterness towards TopRank and its broadcaster, ESPN, during a guest appearance on the Punch Drunk Boxing podcast. However, Arum has now come out and clapped back at these serious accusations.

Bob Arum responds to accusations of racial bias in Top Rank

In a recent interview with AkhiTV, the 91-year-old was asked to share his thoughts on the accusations. Arum then revealed that another champion Terence Crawford had also accused them of racial discrimination. Moreover, he added that Lopez is doing the same now that the attention is being snatched by other lightweight boxers like Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson. He finally concluded claiming that the promotion only hired fighters who gave them the most upside, irrespective of their ethnicity.

“A black fighter like Terence Crawford. He didn’t like the way he was treated by Top Rank, so he called us racists for supporting the white and Hispanic fighters. Teofimo, because all the attention now is on Haney and also the three young guys who are going to be great: Jared Anderson, Shakur, and Keyshawn. Now we support the black fighters, you know? It just shows how ridiculous it is. We support the fighters that we feel have the biggest upside, whatever their ethnicity is,” he said.

It is essential to focus on the talent and accomplishments of fighters rather than creating divisions based on race or ethnicity. Moreover, Arum’s response serves as a reminder of the importance of fairness and equality in the sport. Another famed person from the world of boxing responded to Lopez’s racial bias accusations against TopRank.

Josh Taylor vows to knock out Teofimo Lopez for his comments

The WBO light-welterweight champion has some animosity towards Lopez as their fight approaches closer. Following ‘Takeover’s’ comments WBC light-welterweight champion

Regis Prograis was quick to challenge him for a fight. “Hopefully I can fight this clown one day,” he wrote.Read More: “You Will Be on Top Once Again”: Teofimo Lopez Looking Shredded in Latest Clip Makes Boxing World Go Berserk

However, Taylor seems to have some bad intentions for this fight as well as he plans to knock out Lopez in their fight. “

Don’t worry, I’ll decapitate him,” wrote Taylor.

 

The tensions surrounding Lopez and Taylor have escalated with the involvement of other fighters, such as Regis Prograis. Moreover, Taylor has also made his intentions clear, vowing to deliver a decisive victory. With such strong words being exchanged, fans can expect an explosive and thrilling battle when these fighters finally meet in the ring. What did you think about Arum’s response to Lopez’s accusations of racial bias in Top Rank? Let us know in the comments below.

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