Teofimo Lopez appears to have his next fight set as he’ll take on IBF lightweight mandatory challenger George Kambosos Jr, but tells ESPN if he could have it his way, he already knows how he wants 2021 to look for him.
“Devin Haney first. Then Garcia or Tank, probably at 140. And Josh Taylor-Jose Ramirez winner at 140. The winner of that fight becomes undisputed at that weight division, and I’m trying to go back-to-back [being undisputed] at 135 and 140. It’s never been done before, and that’s what I love. I love doing things that have never been done before.”
Lopez continues by saying that the only thing standing in the way of a showdown with Haney is his current mandatory obligation, but says once that’s taken care of or falls through Haney will get his attention, hoping that Haney doesn’t price himself out of the bout.
Both Haney and Lopez have been prodding one another in recent months over the ridiculous title situation that the WBC has created. The only real way to settle their dispute is for them to meet in the ring once and for all, so let’s all just hope that happens sooner than later.
Top Rank does currently control the championship scene at 140, too, with two-belt titleholders Josh Taylor and Jose Ramirez expected to fully unify the division in May.