Teofimo Lopez Calls Out Terence Crawford
Teofimo Lopez has called out Terence Crawford for a fight at 147.
Lopez is readying himself to take on Jamaine Ortiz on February 8th, 2024, for the first defence of his WBO 140-pound title. His victory over Josh Taylor secured the belt as he became a two-weight world champion. If he beats Ortiz, a unification fight at 140 is also possible. Devin Haney and Subriel Matias are the likely contenders.
But Lopez has one eye on welterweight. Crawford is the first to become undisputed at welterweight in the four-belt era after stopping Errol Spence Jr. in the ninth round. Spence has activated his rematch clause, as both fighters must agree on a date and the weight class. Once that rematch is over, Lopez wants Crawford. He questioned his biggest wins against Kell Brook, Jose Benavidez Jr. and Spence, saying they were not 100 percent when they fought him.
Lopez On Crawford
“I did call out Crawford. I said if it presents itself, we’d fight. At 147. It has to be at 147. When I beat Lomachenko, Crawford didn’t have no problem saying he’d come down and fight me. I’m not here to play games; I want to fight the best.
“The fighters Crawford fought were handicapped. Spence just announced about his eye, Jose Benavidez had a shot leg, and Kell Brook was injured too with his eye. Every fighter Crawford has faced at 147lbs has been injured. I’m healthy. Fight the best fighter at a healthier weight; let’s do it,” Lopez said
Crawford Responds
Crawford fired back at Lopez, dismissing the seriousness of his call out. He expanded on how Lopez had not kept the same energy when they had seen each other in person. The perception was that Lopez was using his name to publicise himself.
‘The Takeover’ has been linked with big fights against Haney, Matias and Ryan Garcia, but Lopez has struggled to get those fights over the line. While he wants to fight for the biggest purses, Lopez is showing himself tough to deal with. That has created the narrative that Lopez views his commercial value as much higher than it is worth.
“Teofimo Lopez, you better worry about them little guys that are on your backside down there in your weight class. It’s crazy every time I see you, you don’t even look my way, but when you’re in front of a camera, you got so much to say,” Crawford said
In response, Lopez replied.
“Time will tell! You must also focus on getting yourself out of that trapped contract you’re in with Errol Spence Jr & Al Haymon. See you at the Top, brother,” Lopez revealed
Before any such fight can materialise, there is still a long way to go. Lopez must get past Ortiz, while Crawford must do the same against Spence in the rematch. Their rematch has still not been finalized, leaving Crawford with plenty to consider moving forward.
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