Teofimo Lopez, the WBO 140-pound titleholder, is gearing up for his first defense against Jamaine Ortiz on February 8, 2024. After securing the belt in a triumphant battle against Josh Taylor, Lopez eyes a potential unification fight at 140, with Devin Haney and Subriel Matias as potential opponents. However, Lopez is not solely focused on his current weight class; he’s eyeing a move to welterweight. Terence Crawford, the first undisputed welterweight in the four-belt era, is on Lopez’s radar.

Following Crawford’s victory over Errol Spence Jr., Lopez expressed interest in a showdown at 147 pounds. Lopez questions Crawford’s notable wins against Kell Brook, Jose Benavidez Jr., and Spence, suggesting they were not at their best during those fights. Emphasizing his readiness, Lopez highlights the importance of facing opponents in their prime and injury-free. However, Bill Haney doesn’t believe Lopez deserve a fight against Crawford. Here’s what he has to say to Lopez.

Bill Haney brutally criticizes Teofimo Lopez

In a recent development, Bill Haney, father and trainer of Devin Haney, responded strongly to Teofimo Lopez’s aspirations for a match against Terence Crawford. Haney exclaimed, “Teofimo Lopez, if you don’t knock it off – talking about you want ‘Bud’ Crawford. I just seen you and your daddy, and I yelled – why didn’t we offer you 20 million dollars”. He emphasized the need for Lopez to consider lucrative opportunities and shift his attention away from Crawford.

“Act like you got some sense, you hear that money counter in the back,” continued Haney, urging Lopez to prioritize the potential 140 lbs unification bout against Devin Haney. Moreover he told Lopez, “ Act like you got some sense and we can make Haney versus Lopez for that 140 lbs unification. Yeah baby act like you got some sense and stop taking about ‘Bud’ Crawford.”

He also stated, “You don’t want none of ‘Bud’ Crawford and you don’t deserve none knock it off. Talk like you got some sense.” In the ongoing discourse, Haney consistently emphasized the importance of acting wisely and making choices that align with financial and strategic benefits. Here’s what Terence Crawford had to say to Lopez’s call out.

Terence Crawford fires back at Lopez

Terence Crawford responded to Teofimo Lopez’s call-out, questioning the sincerity behind it. Crawford emphasized that Lopez didn’t maintain the same attitude when they met in person, implying that Lopez might be leveraging Crawford’s name for publicity.

Crawford advised Lopez to focus on challenges within his own weight class, suggesting that the latter is more vocal in front of cameras than in face-to-face encounters. Despite Lopez’s desire for significant fights against Haney, Matias, and Garcia, the matchups have faced hurdles, contributing to a perception of Lopez overestimating his commercial value.

Crawford told Lopez, “Time will tell! You must also focus on getting yourself out of that trapped contract you’re in with Errol Spence Jr & Al Haymon. See you at the Top, brother”.

Read More: “Better Worry About Them Little Guys”: Terence Crawford Rips Apart Teofimo Lopez Over His “Handicap” Remarks in Bold Callout

The path to a Lopez-Crawford showdown involves overcoming current challenges – Lopez against Ortiz and Crawford in a rematch with Spence. As both confront their immediate obstacles, the prospect of their clash remains contingent on various factors yet to unfold.

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