Teofimo Lopez Targets May 2027 For Ryan Garcia Unification Fight

Teofimo Lopez says a May 2027 unification fight with Ryan Garcia is his preferred timeline, pushing back on Garcia's call for a December date.

Garcia challenged Lopez on X after asking why other fighters weren't willing to face him. Lopez responded that he and Golden Boy Boxing met for lunch two days after Garcia's win over Conor Benn

"We've said that a showdown in May 2027 is ideal for the welterweight world championship unification fight," Lopez

The comment reflects a preference rather than a finalized deal. Garcia could still take a December fight before meeting Lopez in the spring, provided both keep their belts.

Complicating matters, the WBA has ordered Lopez to face mandatory challenger Jack Catterall, with the negotiating window closing October 22 before a purse bid could be ordered. Lopez will need to either fight Catterall, work out a deal that clears his path to Garcia, or give up the WBA title.