Teofimo Lopez Delves Into Why He Thinks ESPN “Doesn’t Want to Support” Him

In a surprising turn of events, former unified lightweight champion, and recently crowned junior welterweight titlist, Teofimo Lopez Jr. announced his retirement from boxing following his victorious match against Josh Taylor at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. While initial speculation linked his retirement decision to an impending divorce, Lopez has now shed light on the real motivation behind his departure from the sport.

The boxer expressed his frustration with ESPN, his longtime broadcaster through promoter Top Rank, claiming he felt disregarded by the network and disrespected in comparison to his peers. This revelation has ignited a debate over Lopez’s future in boxing and his potential return to the ring.

Teofimo Lopez voices his concerns with ESPN following his retirement

In an interview with RingTV, ‘The Takeover’ cited his grievances with ESPN. According to him, the problem during his time stemmed from the lack of support and recognition from the network. Despite his recent triumph against Taylor, which garnered the highest ratings for a boxing main event on American television this year, Lopez was reportedly not invited to the annual ESPY Awards. Moreover, he expressed his disappointment with ESPN for extending invitations to other boxing figures such as Shakur Stevenson, Gervonta Davis, and Devin Haney, and Claressa Shields while leaving him out.

“It’s about respect. You have ESPN inviting Shakur Stevenson, Tank Davis, Devin Haney, and Claressa Shields to the ESPYs—and I’m not. Claressa is the only one who really deserves to be invited from that group. I’m nowhere to be found,” he said.

In addition, Lopez feels that if his own network fails to support him after his remarkable achievement, he must reconsider his affiliation. The lack of recognition from ESPN has left him seeking respect from the company which has been instrumental in his career.

“I’m affiliated with ESPN through Top Rank, and if my own network doesn’t want to support me after I got their highest rating this year, what can I do? I have to get out,” he added.

While Lopez’s retirement announcement has generated widespread speculation, the boxer remains resolute in his decision. He asserted that he would only consider returning to boxing if he could secure a “nine-figure” contract directly with a network. Nevertheless, Lopez’s inner circle does not share his conviction, expressing doubt about the permanence of his retirement.

Teofimo Lopez’s family becomes skeptical of his retirement

Lopez’s declaration of retirement has left those close to him bewildered and skeptical. However, despite their doubts, he remains steadfast in his decision. He emphasizes that he has achieved a great deal in his boxing career. But now it is time to focus on a different kind of fight, one that takes place in the courtroom, as he battles for the well-being of his son.

“No one close to me, no one in my family or my friends, believes I’m retired. I believe me. I’ve built a lot. I have a big fight coming up in court, which is the biggest fight of my life for my son. I am not a slave to anyone or boxing. The only one I serve is God Almighty. I got what I got from boxing and I’m out. Give this time. I’ll create more business opportunities and I need time to grow that,” he added.

While the boxer stands firm in his retirement decision, the skepticism of those close to him suggest that a return to the ring is not entirely out of the question. As the legal battles unfold and Lopez explores new business opportunities. In the end, only time will tell whether we have truly seen the last of this talented fighter inside the squared circle.

Read More: Teofimo Lopez Reveals Why He Is a “Hall of Famer”

What did you think about Lopez diving deep into ESPN not supporting him? Let us know in the comments below.

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