Teofimo Lopez Jr. apparently is raring to get back into the ring.
Just weeks after suggesting he was retired, the former unified lightweight champion and current WBO 140-pound titlist could be headed for a “really big fight,” according to his promoter Bob Arum, the founder of Top Rank Inc.
Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) is coming off a banner unanimous decision win over Scotland’s Josh Taylor last month at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. With the victory, Lopez was awarded Taylor’s WBO title. What’s more, it rejuvenated the career of a troubled, young fighter who at one point seemed to be on the verge of fizzling out.
But immediately after the win over Taylor, Lopez insisted he would retire from the sport. Lopez subsequently declared he would relinquish his title. However, last week, the Brooklyn native informed the WBO that he would hold onto his belt, effectively ending all speculation about his future.
Now Lopez, 25, could be on track for another meaningful fight in a division that is brimming with meaningful opponents.
Arum said in a recent interview that he hopes to put Lopez in a significant fight at the end of the year or early next year, possibly timed for Super Bowl LVIII (Feb. 11).
“He was at my house a couple of days ago," Arum said of Lopez in an interview with Steve Kim. “We had a lovely lunch and spent some time. I think his head’s back on.”
“We're looking to make him a really big fight,” Arum continued, “either later this year, or maybe in conjunction with the Super Bowl, next year.”
A possible opponent for Lopez includes fellow Top Rank client and former titlist Jose Ramirez. Ramirez (28-1, 18 KOs) is ranked second in the WBO's 140 rankings.
Lopez is unlikely to unify titles at 140 anytime soon, as all the titlists are aligned with different promotional groups and networks. The WBC title is held by Regis Prograis, who is promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom, while the WBA title is held by Rolando Romero, who is backed by Premier Boxing Champions. Subriel Matias holds the IBF belt and is understood to be a free agent.