BoxingScene.com’s Keith Idec recently reported that former undisputed and current WBO super lightweight champion Josh Taylor (19-0) will face former unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez (18-1) on June 10th in New York.
The high profile showdown will take place either at either Madison Square Garden or Hulu Theater, MSG’s smaller arena.
Taylor was originally scheduled to face Jack Catterall in a rematch of their controversial showdown from last February that Taylor won via split decision.
The rematch has been postponed multiple times due to injuries suffered by Taylor and he ultimately decided to face Lopez in a much more lucrative fight.
After dropping a split decision to George Kambosos in November, 2021, Lopez has won two fights in a row. Both of the victories took place at the 140 pound weight limit.
Arnold Barboza Jr. (28-0) will be one of many interested observers of the fight. He has been very vocal over the past couple of years of his desire to face Lopez or any of the top fighters in the division.
“I think if Taylor comes in 100 percent healthy like he was against Ramirez and Regis – he wins the fight but I heard he is not 100 percent healthy so I think Teo will have the advantage under these circumstances,” Barboza told BoxingScene.com.
Barboza, who like Lopez and Taylor, is promoted by Top Rank Inc., just fought in February when he defeated former two-division champion Jose “Sniper” Pedraza in Arizona.
The 31-year-old Southern California native reiterated his desire to take on Lopez or any of the best in the division.
“Of course I would fight the winner. I want the winner of the fight or any champion or any big name at 140 pounds,” said Barboza.
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