Lopez Ordered To Defend Title Against Catterall

Teofimo Lopez must defend his WBO welterweight title against Jack Catterall in his next fight, the sanctioning body confirmed Tuesday.

The governing body issued the order this week, locking Lopez into a mandatory defense against the British contender. Lopez captured the strap at 147 pounds after moving up from junior welterweight, where he held multiple titles.

What Catterall Brings To Lopez Fight

Catterall has been campaigning for a world title shot since his controversial points loss to Josh Taylor in 2022, a decision many observers felt went the wrong way. The Chorley native has won his last four, most recently outpointing Regis Prograis in October.

Lopez last fought in February, stopping Jamaine Ortiz in the tenth round to retain his belt. The Brooklyn fighter has not indicated publicly whether he will honor the mandatory or pursue bigger money fights at welterweight.

No purse bid date or negotiation deadline has been set. The WBO typically allows 30 days for both camps to reach terms before ordering a promotional auction.

Reported via:

• ESPN Boxing — WBO orders Lopez to defend title against Catterall