Former unified world lightweight champion and current WBO super-lightweight world champion, Teofimo Lopez, will not be returning to the ring until the likes of Gervonta Davis and Ryan Garcia to ‘show me something’ as he spoke exclusively to ProBox TV.
Lopez (19-1, 13KO's), who captured the WBO crown in June with an accomplished performance against former undisputed super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor, despite the narrow scoring of the contest, indicated that he was back to his best in victory.
However, immediately post-fight, Lopez would announce that he would retire from the sport to focus on a number of personal issues.
However, speaking to Chris Algieri and Paulie Malignaggi alongside George Jakovic, Lopez revealed that he has three names on his wanted list, which would entice him back into the ring.
“I would like to fight Gervonta Davis (29-0, 27KO's) and Ryan Garcia (23-1, 19KO's),” said Lopez. “We tried to make a fight with George Kambosos (21-2, 10 KO's), but they would rather take the fight with Vasyl Lomachenko. Devin Haney is fighting Regis Prograis at 140lbs.
“I’m waiting for these guys to go and show me something.”
Garcia will be returning to the ring for the first time following his seventh-round knockout defeat to Gervonta Davis in April. Garcia will enter the 140lbs division for the first time in December against Oscar Durate Jurado.
Teofimo, when questioned about his desire to face Davis, Lopez understood why Davis, Premier Boxing Champions, has been unwilling to enter serious negotiations with him and that he does not expect that pattern to change due to the success Davis is having against ‘B level’ opposition.
“The reason why the Gervonta Davis fight won’t happen is obviously they have their plan of what they’re going to do with Tank. It works; good system. He doesn’t have to go above the B level; he doesn’t have to go below the B level. He stays right there,”
However, Lopez is unwilling to put a definitive date on his return to the ring, insisting that he can return at any time he wants by maintaining his activity in the gym while re-affirming that he wishes to sort out varying issues outside of the ring and securing himself more access to see his young son.
“I hear people say, ‘Keep active, that’s always going to keep you good,’” said Teofimo when asked if he plans on staying active with his career. “I can always stay active in the gym as long as I’m sparring; that’s all I need.”
“I don’t need much as far as that goes,” said Teofimo about keeping his skills sharp in between fights. “I really want to take care of the personal things that I’ve been pushing to the side.
“What do I do? I go into camp for two or three months, and I’m not seeing my son. He’s about to turn two next month, and I’ve probably only got to see him for nine months his whole life.
