Haney Vs. Lopez Could Happen Next
Bob Arum wants to make Devin Haney vs. Teofimo Lopez next if The Dream’s fight with Sandor Martin falls through.
The WBC has ordered Haney to defend his 140-pound title against Martin. Top Rank won the purse bids with a $2.42 million bid. Haney was frustrated that Matchroom Boxing did not put a bid after Eddie Hearn stated he was not interested in making that fight. Devin’s stock has fallen since his loss to Ryan Garcia. He was allowed to keep the belt as Garcia missed weight. Although the result could become a no-contest after Garcia’s failed test, Haney’s commercial power has been damaged.
Haney could vacate the belt and move up to 147. He has been linked with a fight against Mario Barrios, who recently was elevated to a full WBC Champion at 147 after Terence Crawford was made ‘Champion in Recess.’ Haney could, however, petition for a higher purse under the WBC rules. He is expected to make over $1.5 million for the Martin fight in a 70-30 split in his favor. This is well short of his last two fights, which made a reported $15 million combined. If Haney decides to vacate, Arum wants him to fight Teofimo Lopez.
Haney vs. Lopez
“If we can arrange a Teofimo – Haney fight, which is an interesting fight, then we’ll try to do that. Everybody has to make their own choices. As long as their honest about it and don’t try to blame and cast aspersions on other people. Devin is a nice young man and he’s never done that. So whether he decides to fight Sandor Martin or doesn’t, that’s up to him,” Arum said
Haney and Lopez have been linked with a fight since their days at 135. But now, at 140, there is the potential for a big unification. Lopez holds the WBO belt, a title he acquired after beating the lineal champion, Josh Taylor. Lopez successfully defended the title in an unconvincing win against Jamaine Ortiz. Although Lopez landed more power punches, there was a suggestion that Ortiz had outboxed him.
Lopez’s Next Fight
The Takeover will face Steve Claggett on June 29. This is not the biggest that could have been made, as Lopez was criticised for his choice of opponent. However, the criticism around Lopez has been his inability to sell many tickets. Despite being a two-weight and two-time lineal champion, that has yet to translate into a big gate. But a big fight could be made if he can get the right dancing partner. But before that happens, he must get past Claggett. Lopez hit back at those questioning this fight.
“Unlike these other supposed champs at 140, Steve Claggett is the only fighter who raised his hand and stepped up to challenge me. No other fighters were interested in getting in the ring with me. “These other fighters want me to help them make a name for themselves. Although people don’t know much about him, Claggett is very tough and always comes to fight. I want to face fighters like that. Like my last opponent, I don’t want to face fighters who talk a lot and are just trying to become famous,” Lopez stated
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