Teofimo Lopez doesn’t seem particularly concerned with whomever promotes his next fight.

The unbeaten, lineal lightweight champ and unified WBA/IBF/WBO titlist made that point clear while discussing the circumstances surrounding an ordered mandatory title defense versus Australia’s George Kambosos. The bout has been in negotiations for more than two months, with talks ultimately hitting a wall due to Lopez and Top Rank, his career long promoter hitting a wall over his financial compensation for such a fight.

As a result, the IBF-mandated title fight is now subject to a purse bid hearing which is scheduled for February 18th,

“How I look at it—I can’t take it or leave it no more,” Lopez told ESPN’s Mark Kriegel in an on-air interview during Saturday’s live boxing telecast from MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas. “It’s “The Takeover.” I earned it. It’s not something that’s given, you got to earn it.

“I did that. I came out here four months ago to Vegas, and I earned it—against all odds.”

Lopez (16-0, 12KOs) settled for a lesser paycheck than he believed he was entitled to, in order to push forward with a three-belt unification bout versus Vasiliy Lomachenko last October. The fight nearly fell apart over the financial dispute before all sides agreed to terms, paving the way for Lopez claiming the World lightweight championship following a 12-round unanimous decision victory. The win was enough to earn honors as 2020 Fighter of the Year, with Lopez still enjoying the victory tour—and expecting a king’s ransom for his next appearance.

The feeling isn’t exactly mutual, or so has stated Top Rank founder and Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum who doesn’t view the fight as a premium event requiring top dollar payout. As a result, a fight which was once a shoo-in to anchor ESPN’s spring schedule is now at risk of landing on another platform, depending on whether Thursday’s purse bid hearing moves forward and any promoter other than Top Rank submits the highest amount.

“I love the platform I’m in, ESPN and Top Rank,” Lopez insisted. “My whole thing now, really is that it’s just business. That’s what it comes down to, it’s nothing personal. If we can’t meet the terms, then I guess I’m taking my talents to South Beach (paying homage to LeBron James’ infamous speech when leaving Cleveland for Miami).

“You got the best fighter in the world on that display. It’s all pay dues and that’s what we did. We paid our dues. I’m Teofimo, your favorite fighter’s favorite fighter. That sets the tone and everyone needs to understand that. I am the truth. I’m the best in the division and it’s just the takeover. I’m here about the glory and moving forward. If you can’t meet the terms, like I said we’re taking our talents elsewhere.” 

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox