Teofimo Lopez Outclasses Josh Taylor To Win The WBO Super-Lightweight Title
Teofimo Lopez put on a show-stopping display of skill and determination, laying claim to the WBO super-lightweight title in a unanimous decision victory over Josh Taylor.
While there were concerns regarding his controversial pre-fight comments, Lopez silenced any doubters with a dominant performance, banishing memories of his ‘kill’ comments as both fighters shook hands post-fight.
“Well done. Fair play.” @JoshTaylorBoxer made a visit to @TeofimoLopez post-fight pic.twitter.com/Cqq657mMVC
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 11, 2023
The opening round saw both fighters sizing each other up with sharp jabs, but it was Taylor who initially seemed to have the upper hand.
Taylor leaned on his experience, pressing forward and clinching to wear down Lopez. The Scot continued to apply pressure in the following rounds, and Lopez slipped to the floor as Taylor gained the upper hand.
Despite a cut opening up on Lopez’s nose early on, he responded with a flurry of solid combinations and continued to expertly judge the distance, gradually picking Taylor apart.
The ringside angles of @TeofimoLopez’s dominance #TaylorLopez pic.twitter.com/MacDTecAbt
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 11, 2023
Lopez refused to be deterred, countering Taylor’s punches and staying out of range while landing powerful right hands.
He remained dominant throughout the second half of the fight, as Taylor’s desperate attempts to remain competitive resulted in wild swings.
The Takeover was unstoppable tonight
@BoostMobile | #TaylorLopez pic.twitter.com/liDiUSFHW1
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 11, 2023
In the end, Lopez’s skill and precision in the ring secured him a comprehensive victory, with scores of 115-113, 115-113, and 117-111 reflecting his dominance.
Post-Fight
“We just beat the No. 1-ranked guy, No. 1-ranked champion, lineal world champion Josh Taylor. I do want to say one thing. I think I let my emotions get the best of me.
“I did not want to take your life. I want you to go back to your family, my man, and I apologize as a man. Josh Taylor is a tough dude, man, and I can see why he beat so many fighters,” Lopez
“Listen, no excuses, it wasn’t my best. The better man won on the night. I competed to the best of my ability. Felt amazing in the gym, felt brilliant. No excuses.
“He was better on the night tonight. It is what it is. Congratulations to Teofimo. I thought it was a close fight, but that 117-111 was way too (wide), I’d love to do it again,” Taylor
Social Media Reaction
When the lights are the brightest, Teo rises to the occasion.
— Commando Bando (DW) (@DSuperman25) June 11, 2023
The king of 140
— 2ToneDaSupastarclone (@DaSupastarClone) June 11, 2023
Beast. A solid win.
— Arredondo C93 (@ArredondoC93) June 11, 2023
