WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez created quite a stir on Wednesday, when he sent official notice to the World Boxing Organization that he was planning to keep his world championship.
Last month in New York City, Lopez dominated Josh Taylor to capture the WBO strap.
In the aftermath, Lopez announced his decision to retire from the sport.
Due to Lopez openly stating in several interviews that he planned to retire – the sanctioning body ordered a fight between Arnold Barboza and Jose Ramirez – with the vacant WBO title potentially at stake.
However, the sanctioning body gave Lopez a period of 24-hours to block that title fight, by certifying in writing that he planned to keep his championship.
At the same time, the sanctioning body also gave undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney a period of 24-hours to declare a possible move to 140.
Because Haney is the WBO world champion at 135, he can automatically become the mandatory challenger if he decides to move up in weight.
Ultimately, Lopez made it clear that he was keeping his belt.
Following the news of his decision, Lopez went on social media to take direct aim at Haney.
“Yo Devin Haney. Since you were so quick to jump in the mix for my WBO championship belt, let’s make the fight happen so the world can see who is about that action. [And] no, you will not be on the A-side. I hold the king title of the division as well! So don’t run away! Bitch,” Lopez stated on social media.
“Came out of retirement (I guess) because the next move was for Devin Haney to fight sorry ass Arnold Barboza for my WBO championship title at 140lbs. F— that. I’m tired of helping this kid be something that he is not. And that’s a real champion!”
Haney fired right back, claiming that Lopez demanded a purse of $20 million.
“Yo hoe ass never retired in the first place. Let’s see if you really want the smoke. I’m gonna be 140 champ regardless. You asked for 20 million last time my pops talked to you,” Haney stated.
Lopez denied the accusations.
“What? 20 M’s? I didn’t even stat out the location of our fight let alone put a price on the fight. What you talking about man?! Start losing weight and we’ll figure out the rest so we can give the fight fans a DREAM that will TAKEOVER the sport of BOXING,” Lopez stated.