Teofimo Lopez Hits Out At ESPN For Disrespecting Him – ‘My Own Network Doesn’t Want To Support Me’

Teofimo Lopez has slammed ESPN for their failure to invite the star to the ‘Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards’ (EPSNY).  

Lopez has not hidden his disdain for ESPN of late. The two-division and two-time lineal champion was very vocal about how he had not been compensated by the network to reflect his true value.

So much so that the ‘Takeover’ has demanded a nine-figure contract in order to make a return to the sport of boxing.

Lopez announced his retirement from the sport after having beaten Josh Taylor to win the WBO junior-welterweight title, much to the shock of everyone. 

While there was speculation that Lopez retired due to personal issues, as he is currently navigating a divorce through the court system, the latter stated that his issue lies with not getting the recognition he deserves. 

“People are saying this retirement thing is because of the divorce situation. It may look like that, Captain Obvious, but it’s not. It’s about respect. You have ESPN inviting Shakur Stevenson, Tank Davis, Devin Haney and Claressa Shields to the ESPYs—and I’m not.

“Claressa is the only one who really deserves to be invited from that group. I’m nowhere to be found. I gave up the WBO belt and I will give up the Ring belt, but I want the Ring belt. I’ll figure that out a year from now.

“I’m affiliated with ESPN through Top Rank, and if my own network doesn’t want to support me, after I got their highest rating this year, what can I do? I have to get out,” Lopez

Lopez’s fight with Taylor was the network’s most viewed event of this year, but the ticket sales at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York City, showed otherwise.

Lopez failed to sell out the arena in his hometown, despite the venue’s capacity being less than 10,000. Although that may reflect the current economic climate, the fact of the matter is that Lopez’s perception of his worth may not match reality. 

But on top of that, Lopez’s conduct has not helped matters. Prior to his fight with Taylor, he vowed to take his ‘life’ in the ring. And given that he refused to apologize until after the fight had concluded, Lopez’s standing had fallen.

Lopez is clearly a divisive character, but the sport of boxing will no doubt miss the ‘Takeover’s’ magical nights.

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