Let’s admit. Calling out someone of Terence Crawford‘s stature requires a certain level of confidence. Teofimo Lopez has oodles of that trait. But as it appears, he evidently holds a strong conviction in his abilities, which allows him to call out the first two-division undisputed champion among men.
The WBO light welterweight champion would be facing challenger Jamaine Ortiz tentatively on February 8 in Las Vegas. It would be his first title defense ever since he grabbed the belts from Josh Taylor in June last year. But the former unified lightweight champion believes that he can do much better. Perhaps he wants to claim his share of the pie on the world stage. So Lopez gave a loud shout-out to Terence Crawford while speaking with Boxing Social. He even took a dig at some of the opposition ‘Bud’ faced. Unsurprisingly, Crawford didn’t waste time poking holes into the Brooklynite’s summons. Soon, a back-and-forth followed.
Face the Best: Teofimo Lopez to Terence Crawford
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In a tête-à-tête with Michelle Joy Phelps, Teofimo Lopez shared that he had called out Terence Crawford. But it turned out he was held up by the Errol Spence Jr. fight. Joy Phelps checked whether he meant a bout at 147 pounds. Lopez confirmed, “…it has to be at 147. I know that they’re talking about maybe him and Spence as a rematch clause for 154, so whatever that case, me….”
Explaining that he wants to fight the best boxers around, ‘The Takeover’ shared that the only challenge that he foresees is himself. Then, citing examples of Errol Spence Jr., Jose Benavidez Jr., and Kell Brook, he once again went back to Crawford, calling him out. He said, “The fighters that Crawford fought were handicapped ….so every fighter that Crawford has faced throughout the 147 division, whether it looks good on paper they’ve been injured, I’m healthy. Fight the best fighter at a healthier weight. Let’s do it.”
‘Bud’ was ready with his response. He shot down Lopez’s tendency to become confrontational in front of a camera. But the latter would avoid him whenever they were in the same vicinity. Then he told the light welterweight champion to worry about opponents in his weight class.
Crawford ‘Take(s)over’
The welterweight champion said, “And @TeofimoLopez, yo little b**ch a** better worry about them little guys that’s on yo a** down there in yo weight class. It crazy every time I see yo ho* a** you don’t even look my way, but when you in front of a camera, you got so much to say. You a pu**y.” But a few minutes later, ‘The Takeover responded, “Time will tell! You also need to focus on getting yourself out that trapped contract you in with @ErrolSpenceJr & Al Haymon. See you at the Top brudda #NoSucker Plead the…“
Then, mocking Lopez, Crawford told him that Lopez appeared to be the only one who seemed to be facing challenges with Top Rank. “Last I recall, your the only one in a f**ked-up situation with Top Rank… Go cry me a river,” said the Nebraskan Southpaw.
Last I recall your the only one in a fucked up situation with TopRank😂😂😂 go cry me a river.
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) January 10, 2024
In a separate chain earlier, Teofimo Lopez cited his wins over Vasyl Lomachenko and Josh Taylor. But updated that the next win would be over Terence Crawford. He said, “@terencecrawford, you right! I am the biggest pu**y in the sport of Boxing. #1 LOMA: #1 TAYLOR: #1 CRAWFORD: (Soon).” The welterweight champion in return pricked, reminding him about the loss to George Kambosos Jr.: “You better go fight Kambosos; he the one that you should be fighting. Didn’t he beat yo a**?“
You better go fight kambosos he the one that you should be fighting. Didn’t he beat yo ass?😭
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) January 10, 2024
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Teofimo Lopez sounded upbeat about taking on Crawford in a heavier weight class. However, whether he has the wherewithal to challenge a lion in his den is an altogether different question. The 140-pound division is lined up with a stream of talents such as Devin Haney, Rolando Romero, and Subriel Matias. There were even reports of an offer from Ryan Garcia. So many fans might be wondering whether it would be prudent on Lopez’s part to first finish off the business here before taking the next ‘giant’ leap.
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What’s your take on Teofimo Lopez’s call out to Terence Crawford? Please share your views with us in the comments below.
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