The career of Teofimo Lopez has gone exactly according to plan, despite a few rocky moments. As a youngster, the New York native was considered one of the best up-and-comers around. Although he would have a few uninspiring performances, Lopez was eventually crowned a world champion in 2019 thanks to his second-round drubbing over Richard Commey. A few months later, Lopez brazenly took aim at Vasiliy Lomachenko, the consensus best pound-for-pound fighter in the world at the time.
Despite the Ukrainian dishing out violent promises, Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) first boxed then brawled his way to a unanimous decision victory en route to being crowned as the lightweight division’s IBF, WBO, WBA, and WBC Franchise champion. Ultimately, Lopez’s time at the top of the heap was transient following an upset loss at the hands of George Kambosos Jr. Still, even with that defeat, coupled with a few lackluster showings one division higher, Lopez pulled off yet another gigantic upset.
Just a few weeks in his hometown of New York, Lopez easily dissected Josh Taylor, winning a decision on all three judge’s scorecards. With the boxing world officially his oyster, Lopez had his pick of the super lightweight litter. But just when his stock reached an all-time high, Lopez ripped off his gloves, discarded his newly won titles, and chucked up the peace sign.
Although his arbitrary retirement was shell-shocking, Lopez has stated on numerous occasions that he has no desire to keep fighting. With his pugilistic career seemingly behind him, Lopez looks back on his time in the squared circle proudly. While he only had a handful of bouts, Lopez firmly believes that he left an indelible mark on the sport and should be considered an all-time great.
“Teofimo is a Hall of Famer no doubt,” said Lopez to BoxingScene.com. “Two-time undisputed world champion, 25 years young, two divisional world champion, two-time lineal world champion.”
His long list of credentials, though impressive, are a bit ambiguous. While it’s true that Lopez became a two-division champion and two-time lineal titlist, his undisputed claim is flat-out erroneous.
Against Lomachenko, Devin Haney held the WBC’s trinket while Lopez was awarded the Franchise distinction, a confusing title that was made out of thin air by the sanctioning body. At the time, Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the WBC, claimed that Franchise champions could not lose their Franchise titles in the ring. However, just a few months later, Lomachenko lost his Franchise tag once he came up short against Lopez.
His victory over Taylor last weekend has also left Lopez believing that he’s now an undisputed champion in the super lightweight division. Taylor, nevertheless, only held the WBO and lineal titles. Prior to taking on Lopez, Taylor, thanks to victories over Jose Ramirez, Ivan Baranchyk and Regis Prograis, aggregated every world title at 140 pounds.
Ultimately, Taylor willingly dropped three of his four championships several months ago. Now, Taylor’s former belts have been spread across the division, landing in the hands of Prograis, Rolando Romero, and Subriel Matias.
Those details, in any event, are inconsequential according to Lopez. Presently, the 25-year-old is standing firm on this retirement hill, along with his undisputed claims. Even with fights against some of boxing’s premier stars directly at his fingertips, Lopez appears content with riding off into the sunset.
“I accomplished all of my goals. I’m happy with what I did.”