WBO To Decide Jermell Charlo And Teofimo Lopez’s Future Soon
The WBO will soon make a decision on Jermell Charlo and Teofimo Lopez’s status as champions moving forward.
Charlo has been the champion at 154 lbs since his win over Brian Castano in 2022. While that may have been the case, the attempts at a defence have been far from simple.
Tim Tszyu is the current WBO mandatory for Charlo, but the attempts at getting the fight over the line have been complicated.
The duo were set to meet in January only for the fight to be called off as Charlo pulled out. The American suffered a hand injury, as a recovery took longer than expected.
But as Charlo is set to face Canelo Alvarez on September 30th, 2023, Tsyzu was infuriated. And now the WBO is set to act.
“[We are] also [dealing] with 154lbs. [champ] Jermell Charlo,” revealed Francisco Valcarcel Francisco (WBO president) stated
Much in the same way, the WBO is set to make a move over Teofimo Lopez’s junior-welterweight title.
The ‘Takeover’ beat Josh Taylor via a unanimous decision to become a two-division and two-time lineal champion.
But much to the shock of everyone, Lopez announced his decision to retire from the sport. Thereafter, the champion reportedly informed the organization that he would be vacating the belt.
And given that Lopez does not see a return until he secures a mega-contract, a decision will have to be made.
“I think the only way you get Teo back is a nine-figure contract deal. Because I’ve made ESPN over a $100 million. I’m still getting paid a million dollars to fight while all these other fighters have not even done a quarter of what I’ve done and accomplished in the sport, they’re getting eight, 10, 12, 15 million dollars,” Lopez
Either way, a decision will clear up the deadlock in both divisions. Charlo will either have to vacate or fight Tszyu, who has been waiting in the wings with impressive stoppage-wins over Tony Harrison and Carlos Ocampo.
As for Lopez, vacating the belt could attract big names from the lightweight division such as Devin Haney to move up. Time will tell.
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