WBO super-lightweight king Teofimo Lopez returns to the ring on June 29 when he defends his belt in opposition to Canada’s Steve Claggett in Florida’s James L. Knight Center.
The Calgary title challenger could also be a bit of a thriller to some, however regardless of the seven losses on his document, Claggett is powerful and succesful of giving Lopez a run for his cash.
“This is like a Rocky Balboa story for Steve Claggett,” said Lopez, trying to dodge patronising territory. “I’m very much looking forward to what kind of style I’m going to see. There were no other fighters who were interested in fighting me, and I felt like he would give not just me, but the fans as well, a great fight to watch.”
One of the fighters folks have been concerned about seeing Lopez struggle is Puerto Rican punisher Subriel Matias, who defends his personal IBF strap on June 15.
Matias is signed with Matchroom, and Lopez with Top Rank, so promotional logistics might be onerous to maneuver round in that case. Keyshawn Davis has been vocal about his want to sort out Teo and that might be subsequent, offering Claggett is handled first.
Lopez, of Honduran descent, was raised in New York earlier than relocating to Florida and past. Now, he will get an opportunity to impress a neighborhood crowd together with his expertise. Claggett’s come-forward type is ideal for Teo to look good in opposition to.
“I have always wanted to fight in South Florida, where I grew up and developed as a fighter,” Lopez continued.
“I by no means thought it will occur, however now, on June 29, I get the alternative to take action not simply as a world champion however as the lineal world champion of my division.
“This has been one of my goals since turning pro, and I’m motivated to showcase my talent there in front of my Honduran fans and the entire Latino community.”
Keeping busy on Eye of the Tiger exhibits has benefitted Claggett who’s on a nine-fight profitable streak since shedding to Mathieu Germain in 2021.
“The Dragon” rebounded three months after that loss by beating Emanuel Lopez. Beating one other Lopez would take his profession to an unprecedented stage, given his achievements to date.
“I have worked my entire life for this opportunity, and I intend to make the most of it. I am more motivated than ever before, and I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got,” mentioned the challenger.
Supporting Lopez and Claggett is Robeisy Ramirez, who returns to the ring for the first time since shedding his WBO featherweight title to unheralded Mexican Rafael Espinoza.
“Last December, we put on an action-packed battle, a worthy ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate,” mentioned the Cuban, referencing his brawl with the relentless Espinoza.
“While the consequence was sudden, we additionally proved to the boxing world simply how superb a Miami crowd will be.
“On June 29, I will begin my quest to recapture my world title and return to the top, where I know I belong. It’s Cuba vs. Mexico again, and I’m excited to have the loyal support of the Cuban community of Miami.”
Robeisy misplaced his title in a conflict to Espinoza
It is certainly Cuba vs. Mexico, and the Mexican, this time, is Brandon Leon Benitez. He has received 21 of his 23 outings and defeated Can Xu three fights in the past, which is cheap latest kind. However, each of his losses have been by stoppage, so hard-punching Ramirez will little question goal that vulnerability.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to show that I belong among the best of the division. But I want Robeisy Ramirez to know that this is nothing new to me. I know what it’s like to go on enemy turf against a tough former world champion,” mentioned Benitez.
“Like I did with Can, I’m going to make it a tough night for Ramirez. I respect him as a fighter, but as soon as I get in the ring, I’m not going to stop throwing punches until my hand is raised.”
Putting down his ESPN microphone to return to motion, Nico Ali Walsh will get the likelihood to avenge his sole profession loss by rematching Sona Akale. It shall be fought over both six or eight rounds. The actual period is unclear at the time of writing.
Undefeated Dominican prospect Rohan Polanco takes on Mexico’s Luis Hernandez over eight rounds on the Florida undercard.
Another unbeaten (one draw) Dominican, Euri Cedeno, steps into the ring for an eight-rounder in opposition to Colombia’s Dormedes Potes.
Yan Santana has knocked out each opponent he’s confronted to date. He now faces Brandon Valdes in a 10-round contest.
Heavyweight Lorenzo Medina tackles Colby Madison over six and Puerto Rico’s Bryan “The Hunter” Polaco faces Richard Acevedo, additionally over six.
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