Back in 2018, Boxing Insider named Teofimo Lopez its Prospect of the Year. There was good cause for this. Lopez was greater than only a showy character. He had an 11-0 file and 9 of these wins had come by knockout. Lopez was going to climb to the highest of the game’s mountain. So positive was Lopez of this that he and his crew referred to his profession trajectory as “The Takeover.” Lots can change in 5 years, nonetheless, each for higher and for worse. For the outspoken Brooklynite has had his glories throughout that point, however he’s had his tough patches as effectively. Now, on the cusp of his Saturday battle with WBO junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor at Madison Square Garden, Lopez shall be dealing with the largest problem of his profession since he defeated Vasyl Lomachenko again in 2020.
There’s quite a bit on the road for the 25 yr previous Lopez right here. His first protection of the light-weight titles he had snatched from Lomachenko resulted in a shocking loss to George Kambosos in 2021. Since that point Lopez has moved up from light-weight to junior welterweight and bested Pedro Campa and Sandro Martin respectively. Having made the leap as much as a heavier division, nonetheless, questions over whether or not or not Lopez’ acclaimed energy has carried over have emerged. He beat Martin by cut up choice, in any case – and that was after he was dropped within the second by the person who had despatched Mikey Garcia into retirement. What’s extra, Lopez hasn’t fought a championship 12 rounder since his loss on the gloved arms of Kambosos.
While it’s true Lopez has solely been defeated as soon as, Scotland’s Taylor hasn’t misplaced in any respect. Furthermore, Taylor, like Lopez, has a giant title win on his resume. Just as Lomachenko fell to Lopez by choice, Regis Prograis fell to Taylor by choice when the 2 males fought again in 2019. Taylor is, in reality, an excellent opponent for Lopez. Should he show victorious this weekend in New York, Lopez will as soon as once more discover himself within the heat glow of the highlight. Should “The Takeover” fail in his takeover try on Saturday, although, Lopez could also be considered by the general public as being broken items. Some have brazenly questioned Lopez’ state of mind (pretty and/or unfairly), but it surely’s his efficiency towards Taylor the struggle world shall be specializing in in only a few brief days. If he’s effectively ready, issues may get exiting.
