What a difference a week makes.
Teofimo Lopez became a two-division lineal world champion last Saturday night, defeating previously unbeaten Josh Taylor, who was previously the undisputed junior welterweight champion, before being stripped of three of his four world titles. His lone belt remaining, the WBO junior welterweight title, was won by Teofimo Lopez - who promptly retired after the fight. Today, Lopez doubled down on his statement that he is retired as the head of the WBO, Paco Valcárcel tweeted that Lopez told him that he has vacated his title.
Last Monday, Lopez went on "Max on Boxing" to further explain on his retirement at the age of 25-years-old from the sport of boxing.
"I am going to announce my retirement from the sport of boxing," said Teofimo Lopez on ESPN to Max Kellerman on Monday, June 12th. "At the young age of 25-year-young, I believe I am the first male to become a two-time undisputed world champion [in the four belt era]...I have a lot of ideas and I have a lot of things [I want to do in the] sport of boxing, I really can't [do them] if I am always in the gym, training and preparing for another upcoming fight."
Lopez made one exception if he gets paid a lot of money he will return. It appears Lopez started the week as a retired fighter and ended the week by vacating the world title he won six days prior.
“Only way you get Teofimo back is a nine-figure contract," said Teofimo Lopez when on The Porter Way podcast. "I've made ESPN over $100 million and getting paid $1 million. Fighters that have not even done a quarter of what I've accomplished get $15m.”
Now, Arnold Barboza Jr. and Jose Ramirez are set to be the number-one and number-two contenders for the vacant WBO junior welterweight title
