With Grudge Match Hanging in Balance, Teofimo Lopez’s Backhanded Compliments to Devin Haney Surprise Fans

Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney have known each other since the days they ruled over the lightweight division. However, a fight between the two remained distant. Last year, both made a move to the light welterweight division. Hence, hopes of a clash once again arose. But to no avail. While Lopez went ahead and defended his title from Jamaine Ortiz, Haney fought Ryan Garcia. All through, the two sides exchanged bitter barbs.

Now, rivals usually celebrate whenever a fierce competitor faces a monumental defeat. So it should have been natural for Teofimo Lopez to rejoice when Devin Haney suffered his first career loss. But no! In an interview he gave, his response left most of the fans and followers shocked. For he had nothing but kind words of consolation for ‘The Dream’.

Teofimo Lopez: An astonishing revelation

Speaking on ‘Punsh Drunk Boxing‘, Teofimo Lopez gave some heads-up on a tentative fight with Ryan Garcia. Then speaking about the Haney fight, he said, “Everybody got psyched from what Ryan was doing, you know, and he played a smart he did what he did, you know; he came out there and said what he was going to do and what he was going to handle, you know, so you know congratulations to him,” he said.

Like many others, he also believed in Devin Haney winning the fight. But with Garcia winning the game in the end, Lopez shared that he’s happy with the way things eventually turned out. He said, “I’m I’m actually happy the way things turned out the way it did, you know, had I, you know, so with Ryan now in the mix, I mean, it just makes things much better, you know.”

But it’s what came next that probably shook fans and followers. Commending Haney for his feats, ‘The Takeover remarked, “But it doesn’t take away from what Haney has accomplished and what he’s done in his time frame, you know.”

It’s a different matter, though; Teofimo Lopez subsequently added that Haney probably ‘cashed out’.

But a hidden gem for fans

Now that’s completely new for everyone. How come Teofimo Lopez went soft on Devin Haney? But despite their amazement, a common vibe persisted. Many still wanted Haney and Lopez to proceed with a fight. They believe the lineup still remains a big draw.

Take, for instance, this user. Like many, they also felt that despite his first loss, a match between Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez remains quite intriguing and a crowd-puller.

This user finds it unbelievable. Of all the people, Teofimo Lopez is appreciating Devin Haney; how’s that possible? However, they quipped that both should remain in the current division and fight. Until that happens, they shouldn’t move out of the 140-pound weight class.

Then this follower didn’t hesitate to take a dig. Finding his son holding Devin Haney in high regard, Teofimo Lopez Sr., the follower said, will for sure take some punitive action.

Then, for this user, even the gentlest of Teofimo Lopez’s applause for Devin Haney appears jaw-dropping. Teo showing praise is something that is quite unheard of in the boxing world and the same was elucidated by a fan.

Then this follower, on a serious note, appreciated ‘The Takeover’ for lauding Devin Haney. They said that his first loss shouldn’t be treated as career-defining. Given a chance, the follower would love watching ‘The Dream’ go against Gervonta Davis (now Abdul Wahid), Shakur Stevenson, Teofimo Lopez, and a few others. Just like Errol Spence Jr., he still holds a considerable weight in the sport, they added.

Back in late January to early February, when a fight with Ryan Garcia remained uncertain, Bill Haney seemingly hoped for a match with Teofimo Lopez. But sadly, ‘The Takeover’ settled for a title defense against Jamaine Ortiz. The latter, apparently, had been receiving his training from Bill Haney. Thus, it all added to Haney senior’s dilemma. That the much-needed ‘grudge match’ would not take place.

With altered equations, the chances of a Haney-Lopez match-up have become more dicey. But if the two sides play their cards well, then the possibility of a powerhouse clash with Ryan Garcia by year-end remains high. Then, of course, you have IBF title holder Subriel Matias to deal with if ‘The Takeover’ plans on a unification campaign.

What’s your take on the reactions? Do you believe that a Garcia-Lopez match will pull the same numbers as the Haney match did?