Arum: Saudis Offer Lopez 3-Fight Deal

Bob Arum has opened up on Teofimo Lopez’s future by stating that the Saudis have offered him a three-fight deal.
Lopez is the current WBO Junior Welterweight Champion and has been with Top Rank during his success. He is a current two-weight world champion whilst also having become a two-time lineal champion. He has secured some of the biggest victories in the sport. Wins against Vasiliy Lomachenko and the former Undisputed Junior Welterweight Champion Josh Taylor prove that. However, Lopez has frequently been unhappy that he has not secured the biggest paydays despite having faced the best opposition. He announced his retirement after beating Taylor. He said he would only return to the sport if he received nine-figure paydays.
That request was not deemed feasible. Lopez eventually came out of retirement once he realized nobody was going to put up with those numbers. But he has recently been more outspoken, expressing his desire to leave Top Rank. He also signed an advisory deal after having recently asked Top Rank what his buyout clause figure was. All signs seem to point towards him leaving Top Rank with the view to exploring his free agency. He has also added Canelo Alvarez’s trainer, Eddie Reynoso, to his team. Teo is seeking to make major changes to his career, both inside and outside of the ring.
Arum On Lopez
Arum did offer Lopez a chance to face Subriel Matias. Matias is the former IBF Junior Welterweight Champion. But he lost the belt when he came unstuck against Liam Paro. Matias is no longer seen as the danger man in the division, while Lopez is also unhappy with the offer that was made. Teofimo made a counteroffer to reflect the fact that he wanted a bigger guarantee after uncertainties over how well the fight would do on PPV. But Top Rank reportedly turned down that request. Lopez’s future may now be elsewhere. However, Arum has confirmed that he is exploring a three-fight deal with the Saudis, as Lopez could get what he wants. The ball is now in Lopez’s court.
“The Saudis have come to us, and they’ve talked about making a three-fight deal with Teofimo, which we like very much. Now the ball is in Teofimo’s court to get his approval. 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, and I’ll be contacting Teofimo and his people to see where it goes from there.
“We’re talking to the Saudis [about Teofimo fighting IBF light welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins]. We’ve had a good relationship with Teo, but it comes a time where they’re looking to fly a little bit on their own. That’s not unusual. It happens, but I think Teofimo will like the package the Saudis have presented, and we’ll go forward with him on that basis,” Arum said
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