Many boxing fans anticipate a rematch between Teofimo Lopez and Vasiliy Lopez after Lopez deals with the challenge presented by George Kambosos Jr. But, these fans may be in for a bit of disappointment. Lopez says in a recent interview that he sees “no point” in fighting Lomachenko for a second time.
Teofimo Lopez defeated Vasiliy Lomachenko in the first matchup between the champion fighters last October. Lomachenko and his fans believe he was less than 100 percent in the fight due to injury.
Lopez has waffled back and forth a bit but recently expressed willingness to grant Lomachenko a rematch. Some reports said the fight could happen as soon as the end of the year. But now, the three-belt lightweight champion says he has other plans.
“I did everything at 135,” Lopez explains. “Now it’s about moving up to 140 and becoming and becoming undisputed.
Josh Taylor is the current undisputed champion at the 140-pound weight limit. Most boxing insiders think it’s a tall order for Lopez to compete with Taylor in his first fight at the division. But that seems to be the fight that interests Lopez.
Teofimo Lopez and Josh Taylor both fight for Top Rank. This fact would make negotiations a bit easier. However, some boxing people think Lopez has developed an inflated sense of his worth that can become an obstacle for any fight negotiations.
The change of course for Lopez is disheartening for Lomachenko. The former lightweight champion looked good in his last fight and was looking forward to a chance at redemption in the rematch. Lomachenko dominated Masayoshi Nakatani en route to a ninth-round stoppage on June 26. Lomachenko promises to expose Lopez if they were to step inside the ring together for a second time.
Teofimo Lopez is 16-0 with 12 knockouts to his credit. He will look for his 17th victory as a professional fighter when he fights George Kambosos Jr. at Madison Square Garden on October 4.