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via Getty

via Getty

Teofimo Lopez is about to fight for the first time after his retirement in June last year. And he seems to have come back with a new zeal! Lopez will take on Jamaine Ortiz tomorrow night at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the WBO super lightweight champion revealed how he tries to emulate Bruce Lee and George Foreman in his fights.

The Brooklyn native appeared in an interview with Cigar Talk, where he spoke about what makes him a better fighter than others in the sport. In the process, he unraveled the secret behind his fighting style.

Teofimo Lopez claims he trains to beat himself

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Speaking to Naji, ‘The Takeover’ stated he has been in the game for the majority of his life, and that’s why he is so good at it. “I’ve been sparring [with] pros since I was 13. [From] 13 all the way to 26, talking about 13 years of experience. Half my life has been with professional fighters before I became a pro, and that’s why you see these IQs that you see,” said Lopez.

Citing his experience fighting pros from an early age, Lopez asserted that he does things no one else can. For instance, using tactics George Forman used during his reign in the sport. “That’s why you see stuff that you [have] never seen before in a fighter. I mean – I’m bringing the arsenal of George Foreman…I’m the master of this,” said Lopez.

The Las Vegas resident even suggested that he doesn’t train to beat his opponent. Instead, “I train [to figure out] how [can] I beat myself because if I can’t find a way to beat myself, there is no way that person could beat me,” Lopez asserted. Later during the interview, Lopez revealed he knew some boxers who were overly satisfied with where they were, but not him.

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“No, I say to myself, the hell with circumstances, I create opportunities. Shout out to Bruce Lee. I mean, it’s the year of a dragon, for crying out loud,” Lopez said. Turning to his upcoming fight on February 8, Lopez claimed it would be his graduation to the next level. “This is my time, and I’m really excited for this upcoming [fight]. This fight right here is my graduation. Graduation for much greater [things],” declared the Takeover.

Watch This Story: 5 Times Teofimo Lopez Obliterated His Rivals With His Trash Talk

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With his next fight a jump and skip away, Lopez has revealed his strategy to win fights. However, whether incorporating tactics from Bruce Lee and George Foreman helps him win the upcoming Ortiz fight is yet to be seen. What do you think of Lopez’s confession? Do you think the alleged Bruce Lee and George Foreman tactics are working for him?

Also Read: “I Don’t Clout Chase”: Teofimo Lopez Wants Terence Crawford to ‘Solidify’ His Legacy Ahead of Jamaine Ortiz Fight