Teofimo Lopez Will Not Retire – Says The WBO

Teofimo Lopez has backtracked on his decision to retire from the sport of boxing. 

The 25-year-old had shocked the boxing community when he confirmed that he was walking away from the sport at his peak.

A unanimous-decision win over Josh Taylor secured him the WBO junior welterweight title. However, in the aftermath, Lopez confirmed that he was retiring rather than trying to unify the division. 

The ‘Takeover’ expanded on how he felt he was not being recompensed in a manner that he was worth.

So much so that the champ confirmed he would only return to the sport if he was given a nine-figure payday.

Teofimo Lopez: “The only way you get Teofimo back(from retirement) is a 9 figure contract deal because I’ve made ESPN over 100 million dollars”
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— Danny (@dantheboxingman) June 11, 2023

"The only way you get Teofimo back is a nine-figure contract deal because I’ve made ESPN over $100 million, and I’m still getting paid $1 million a fight.

"All these other fighters that have not even done a quarter of what I’ve done and accomplished in the sport, they’re getting $8, $10, $12, $15 million. So, obviously, I’m the black sheep of the industry," Lopez

While it is not clear if he has such an agreement, Lopez has informed the WBO that he will not be vacating his title. 

"The game is over. @TeofimoLopez just informed me in writing that he will retain his @WorldBoxingOrg jr welterweight title," WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel

With that being said, there is a chance that Lopez could face the biggest names in the division.

Fights with Regis Prograis, or Rolando Romero, would be plausible at 140 lbs. Not only that, but a mega fight with Devin Haney could be on the horizon if the American does end up moving up to 140. 

And so many big bouts out there, Lopez could secure the mega paydays that he is wanting.

But in order to do that, the champion must ensure that his personal life is in order. Lopez spoke on how he was going through his divorce via the courts.

But if he manages to overcome that, then Lopez will be as dangerous as ever. Time will tell how it all plays out moving forward. 

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