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

His first 140-pound title defense invited a cannonade of boos from the audience. However, some reports reveal, Teofimo Lopez could well be in for his next title defense. A June 29 fight in Miami appears in the offing. So is there a chance the second defense offers something different to fans and followers? Time alone will tell. For the time being, the announcement seems to be under scrutiny for a different reason.

The opponent Lopez plans to go against has a record of 38 wins against 7 losses and 2 draws. Last year, on November 14, Calgary, Alberta-born Steve Claggett became the WBO international light welterweight champion, besides defending the NABF belt he held at the time. The move probably follows ‘The Takeover’s’ alleged refusal to proceed with a much-vaunted line-up. Hence the question. Why should he pursue fighting a 34-year-old journeyman? After all, there were offers to fight a boxer whom even some of the big names seemingly prefer avoiding.

“Teofimo Lopez and Steve Claggett are finalizing a deal for a June 29 fight in Miami for Lopez’s junior welterweight title, sources told ESPN,” wrote Mike Coppinger from ESPN yesterday. He further explained how ‘The Takeover’ enters the putative fight after the much-criticized Jamaine Ortiz bout. Throughout the match, the Worcester, Massachusetts-born challenger kept on moving, avoiding a direct confrontation. The technique foiled Lopez’s plans for a close-quarter showdown. Steve Claggett, on the other hand, holds a reputation as a pressure fighter. So the light welterweight champion might have an opportunity to fight the way he prefers.

Coppinger said, “Lopez coming off disputed win over Jamaine Ortiz in February. Lopez wasn’t happy with Ortiz’s movement and now gets a pressure fighter.” But legendary trainer Robert Garcia finds the news a bit surprising. For the specified date in June, he shot back that his pupil, Raymond Muratalla, reportedly had an offer to fight ‘The Takeover’. He said, “Raymond Muratalla was offered @TeofimoLopez for this date.“

How did that come about? The Hall of Fame trainer specified that none of the champions in the lightweight division seemed willing to take up a fight against Muratalla. Hence, when they found an opening to fight Teofimo Lopez at 140 pounds, they readily took it up without any second thoughts. “Seeing how none of the 135 champs are willing to fight Raymond, we said yes. Didn’t hesitate,” said Garcia.

Teofimo Lopez:  No ‘Danger’ With ‘Dragon’

However, in the end, when the light welterweight champion and his team decided to fight a hitherto unknown boxer, Robert Garcia wondered, “And this is what they chose?”

It remains unclear as to why ‘The Takeover’ appeared hesitant to take up what could have been an exciting match with Raymond Muratalla. But given the flak his last title defense against Ortiz received, it could only be gauged that maybe he is currently looking for a tune-up. It will help him reestablish his name as a full-blooded fighter. After scoring a win, he might perhaps go back to staking a claim for a big payday. The light welterweight division teems with some of the biggest names in boxing. A fight with either Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, or Subriel Matias would elevate his name to the top-most echelons of boxing.

Hence, he could be risking the game if he goes against the highly talented and unbeaten Raymond Muratalla. Getting hauled over the coals for the second consecutive match in a year could be the last thing the Brooklyn-born champion needs.

Read More: Teofimo Lopez Lashes Out At Boxers Who Speak Wrong On His Name

What’s your opinion of Teofimo Lopez fighting a boxer ranked way below the top ten in the championship ranking?

Also Read: “I’m Not Going to Embarrass Them”: Bob Arum Explains Why Teofimo Lopez Fight Talks With Ryan Garcia Failed?