WBA orders Teofimo Lopez to next face Jack Catterall and consolidate 147 belts

Remaining true to their word, the WBA Championship Committee has officially mandated WBA welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez to face their secondary beltholder Jack Catterall in a title-consolidating showdown, and has given the two parties until October 22 to reach an agreement or a purse bid will be scheduled. 

Despite Team Lopez’s efforts to avoid facing him in favor of a unification battle against WBC champ Ryan Garcia - with reports suggesting the pair are in talks for a bout in February or May next year - Catterall and his representatives lobbied hard to force the mandatory with Lopez, citing written agreements they had previously reached with the organization before Catterall’s title-winning victory over Shakhram Giyasov in May.

“The decision stems from the conditions established by the Championship Committee when Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero was elevated to WBA Super Champion,” the WBA explained in their official order. “At that time, it was determined that the winner of the WBA World Title bout between Shakhram Giyasov and Jack Catterall would subsequently face Romero, who would be permitted to make one optional defense during that period.

“On August 22, 2026, Teofimo Lopez defeated Romero by majority decision to become the WBA Super Champion. Lopez therefore succeeded Romero as champion and assumed the obligations previously established by the Championship Committee. 

“As a result, the WBA has ordered the bout between López and Catterall.”

Catterall, 33-2 (14 KOs), of Chorley England, and Lopez, 23-2 (13 KOs), of Las Vegas, now have until the end of day on Thursday, October 22 to reach an agreement on terms for the fight.

“If the parties fail to reach an agreement within the established period,” continues the WBA’s order, “or if either party notifies the WBA of its decision to discontinue negotiations, the Championship Committee may, with the approval of the WBA President, order a purse bid in accordance with the organization’s rules and regulations.”