Teofimo Lopez's Next Move

Teofimo Lopez claimed the WBA welterweight title Saturday with a majority decision win over Rolando Romero, but a mandatory challenge from Jack Catterall could complicate his unification plans.

Lopez has called for fights against the winner of Ryan Garcia-Conor Benn and eventually WBO champion Devin Haney, but Catterall argues he's owed the next shot after winning the WBA "Regular" title with a decision over Shakhram Giyasov in May.

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Under a prior WBA ruling, the holder of the organization's main welterweight belt was required to face the Catterall-Giyasov winner within 180 days — a mandate Catterall says now applies to Lopez.

"When I met [WBA President] Gilberto Mendoza in Egypt, I shook his hand and he gave me his word if I beat Giyasov, someone who was avoided and waited for his shot for two years, I will get my shot within 180 days regardless who has the belt. So I believe the WBA will do the correct thing," Catterall

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Catterall said Matchroom chairman Eddie Hearn has already written to the WBA on his behalf, and made clear he has no interest in a step-aside deal, insisting he's "here to fight."

Lopez, meanwhile, maintains no mandatory has been ordered against him, and the WBA has yet to say publicly whether the 180-day rule will be enforced now that he holds the title.