After months of disagreements with Top Rank, Teofimo Lopez has made his position clear regarding his future.
Lopez and his promoters have not been able to agree on a fight plan since last year, leaving the WBN 2020 Fighter of the Year in limbo. During that time, Lopez began cozying up to Turki Alalshikh and has since publicly displayed affection for Saudi Arabia and Ring Magazine.
Despite Bob Arum’s statement that he’s trying to work things out with a contract still in place, Lopez seems keen to move on.
“The Saudis have come to us and talked about making a three-fight deal with Teofimo, which we like very much. Now the ball’s in Teofimo’s court to get his approval,” Arum told Fight Hype.
“The Saudis have stepped up to the plate, and as far as Top Rank is concerned, we’re pleased with the offer and the arrangement. Now it’s up to Teofimo. I’ll be back in Vegas on Saturday, so I’ll be contacting Teofimo and his people. We’ll see where it goes from there.”
Lopez wasted no time showing new loyalty to Alalshikh, with Arum hoping to remain involved in some capacity.
“We’ve had a good relationship with Teofimo,” added Arum. “But there comes a time when they’re looking to fly a little bit on their own. That’s not unusual, and that happens, but I think Teofimo will like the package that the Saudis have presented. We’ll go forward with him on that basis.”
On Wednesday, the WBO stipulated that Lopez would defend his title against the winner of Jack Catterall vs. Arnold Barboza. The fight will occur on February 15 in England, and Lopez will face whoever is victorious by August.
“Lopez must discharge his mandatory obligation against the winner of Catterall vs Barboza within 180 days after their bout to terminate interim status and ensure a single WBO junior welterweight [super lightweight] champion,” said WBO President Gustavo Olivieri.
Re: Resolution -Teofimo Lopez & @WorldBoxingOrg 140 lbs.
Lopez MUST discharge his mandatory obligation against the winner of Catterall/Barboza within 180 days after their bout to terminate interim status and ensure a single WBO Jr. Welterweight champion.https://t.co/364mRlSByU— Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. (@OlivieriLaw) January 29, 2025
The official WBO letter continues, “Failure to comply with the conditions outlined herein will trigger this Committee’s intervention to enforce the WBO regulations of World Championship Contests.
“The conditions herein are incorporated by reference in the official sanction letter for the Catterall vs Barboza bout with full force and effect. All relevant parties herein acknowledge, understand, and accept the terms and conditions set forth herein.”
It is unknown whether facing Catterall or Barboza will be part of that Saudi plan. Lopez could decide to move up to welterweight before or after one more title defense at 140.
Sign up for the WBN Newsletter for free and get daily news directly in your email. Never miss a story.
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN and Quora.