Boxing Rankings: Teofimo Lopez Dropped from Ring Magazine’s Pound-for-Pound List

Published 02/14/2024, 6:07 AM EST

In the end, Teofimo Lopez retained his light welterweight belt. He defeated Jamaine Ortiz unanimously. But could the same be said about winning the spectators’ and followers’ hearts? It appears as if the records themselves are registering their discontent with the event that unfolded at the Michelob Ultra Arena last week.

Last year, Lopez inflicted a crushing defeat on Josh Taylor, a former undisputed champion. Hence, when the turn for the first title defense came, many felt it would be ‘The Takeover’ from seven months ago, who would sail through Jamaine Ortiz. But unfortunately, it doesn’t appear to have gone that way. ‘The Takeover’ won the day for himself. But the popular perception doesn’t seem too eager to have any part in it. Whether the same could be said for the listings?

Teofimo Lopez: Bottomed Out?

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Yesterday evening, Michael Benson shared the names in the updated Ring Magazine’s pound-for-pound best ten fighters in the world. Most of the names that appeared were on expected lines. Not surprisingly, while Terence Crawford topped it, Japan’s Naoya Inoue stood second. The only heavyweight on the list, the unified heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk, followed next. But one name was noticeably missing. It was that of Teofimo Lopez.

“Teofimo Lopez has dropped out of Ring Magazine’s pound-for-pound top ten,” the message read. But why would that happen? Is it because of the recent rumblings that surfaced despite his victory over ‘The Technician’?

Understandably, one of the users argued that ‘The Takeover’s name should have come in place of Gervonta Davis (now Abdul Wahid). Then this is what another user had to say: “Good…They know he lost to Jamaine Ortiz.”

📋 Teofimo Lopez has dropped out of Ring Magazine's pound-for-pound top ten:
1️⃣🇺🇸 Terence Crawford
2️⃣🇯🇵 Naoya Inoue
3️⃣🇺🇦 Oleksandr Usyk
4️⃣🇲🇽 Canelo Alvarez
5️⃣🇷🇺 Artur Beterbiev
6️⃣🇷🇺 Dmitry Bivol
7️⃣🇺🇸 Devin Haney
8️⃣🇺🇸 Errol Spence
9️⃣🇺🇸 Gervonta Davis
🔟🇺🇸 Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) February 13, 2024

It should, however, be remembered that names in the pound-for-pound best come after careful consideration over several criteria instead of drawing conclusions based on a single episode.

The Pound-for-Pound List as Everyone Saw

Canelo Alvarez, probably on account of last year’s two successful outings, occupied fourth place. Artur Beterbiev is perhaps the only boxer on the list who had a fight in the first month of the new year. He stood above archrival Dmitry Bivol, who also successfully defended his title in Saudi Arabia last December. Devin Haney defeated Vasyl Lomachenko and later Regis Prograis to become the WBC light welterweight champion by year-end. Thus, he occupied seventh place.

Many questioned the eighth and ninth entries. Errol Spence Jr. lost his championship to ‘Bud’ Crawford last year. More so, he has yet to make a return to the ring. So why is he ranked eighth as the pound-for-pound best boxer? Though unlike Spence Jr., Gervonta Davis (now Abdul Wahid) won his fight against Ryan Garcia. However, it’s been nearly a year since he has fought anyone.

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Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez‘s entry is quite understandable since he became a unified flyweight title holder after the classic against Sunny Edwards on December 16.

Following his stunning victory over Vasyl Lomachenko, Teofimo Lopez went down a slippery slope. He suffered a loss before two inconsequential wins. The fight against Taylor kind of resurrected him. But no one in the least expected the way the Ortiz fight would go. Die-hard fans would be keenly watching for his inclusion in the months to come.

Jamaine Ortiz Demands Rematch, Warns Teofimo Lopez After Controversial Loss

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Do you agree or disagree with the removal of Lopez’s name from the pound-for-pound list? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Bill Haney Eyes Teofimo Lopez “Grudge Match” for His Son While Predicting His Fate Against Jamaine Ortiz

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Written by:

“Heroism is endurance for one moment more.” I’ve been a lifelong Karateka with immense respect and admiration for the sweet science. Now, for the first time, I’ve got an opportunity to be as close as possible to the sport.

Edited by:

Gokul Pillai

Boxing Rankings: Teofimo Lopez Dropped from Ring Magazine’s Pound-for-Pound List

Teofimo Lopez: Bottomed Out?

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The Pound-for-Pound List as Everyone Saw