Catterall Wants Teofimo Lopez In Saudi
Jack Catterall has called out Teofimo Lopez for a fight in Saudi Arabia.
Catterall is coming off a unanimous decision win over Josh Taylor. The victory avanged Catterall’s 2022 loss, with many feeling he had been unjustly deprived of becoming undisputed at 140 as Taylor got the decision. While that may have been the case, the scorecards were criticized. Catterall won a wide split decision: 117-111, 117-111 and 116-113.
Bob Arum hit out at the scorecards, calling them a disgrace. Meanwhile, Taylor suggested he wanted to run things back in a trilogy. But given that Catterall is chasing a world tile, Lopez’s name made more sense. Lopez holds the WBO Junior Welterweight Title.
Catterall has defended the intercontinental version of the belts many times, while Lopez also has a win over Taylor. Lopez has struggled to get the big fights, so he is defending against Steve Claggett on June 29. If Lopez comes through with a win, Catterall wanted him in Saudi. Based on Matchroom’s close relationship with the Saudis, it could happen.
Catterall On Lopez
"I can see Teofimo Lopez got the most votes. Let’s do it when you finish with [Steve] Clagget. Don’t worry, I’ll fly to you, or we can meet on neutral grounds in the Kingdom. Turki Alalshikh is the man to do it," Jack Catterall said
There are several factors that could prevent that fight. Lopez has hit out at DAZN previously, stating that he would not fight on the platform following his loss to George Kambosos Jr. Lopez crossed over to the platform in 2021, only to lose a shock split decision. After his defeat, Lopez was adamant that he had done enough to win. He then slammed DAZN, as he went back to fighting on ESPN.
He has also predicted DAZN’s demise several times, showing he is not the biggest fan. So if any fight happened, Catterall would have to crossover to ESPN. But if it were to happen in Saudi, there is a chance of a joint broadcast with ESPN. Catterall also has other options. He could box Devin Haney for the WBO belt, or Subriel Matias for the IBF Title. Haney and Matias are with Matchroom, making it much easier to make the fight. But for now, Lopez appears to be the target.
Will It Happen?
"The world title has always been the dream for me. We didn’t get the undisputed and we didn’t get the world titles last time. But that’s fine because that chapter has been rewritten now. We’re in a great position and Eddie [Hearn] has a massive stable at 140 so I want that world title fight.
"I was mandatory for the WBO title for what felt like a lifetime. [Teofimo Lopez] beat Taylor before I did. We’ve both had a win over him and now I want to prove that I’m better than him. I believe I’ve got the style to beat Lopez and that’s the fight I want. It’s time to share the ring with you [Teofimo Lopez]. Let’s see who the true champion is," Catterall stated
"Teofimo Lopez is fighting Steve Claggett – and, without being disrespectful to Steve Claggett, it is a disgrace. It’s a joke fight for someone who says he’s the best 140lb in the world. Jack Catterall is the guy who should be fighting Teofimo Lopez, and we believe he will beat him all day long,” Eddie Hearn added
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