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via Getty

via Getty

Oscar De La Hoya stood beside many, openly disapproving of the IBF’s decision to take away their belt from Terence Crawford. During the rebuke, he highlighted how the Nebraskan switch-hitter was duly recognized as a champion by The Ring magazine. ‘The Golden Boy’ carried on his praise for the premier boxing magazine. But, as it appears, his remarks had a cascading effect.

Teófimo Lopez stands proud among those elite coteries, as De La Hoya mentioned, who holds The Ring magazine belt. The Light Welterweight champion wasted no time and shared a photograph of him wearing the tricolor belt of The Ring. The Brooklynite won the title alongside the WBA title after defeating former undisputed champion Josh Taylor on June 10. It’s a different matter that a day later he announced retiring from boxing. But by the next day, he was back in the saddle.

Teófimo Lopez has already Take(en)over

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The Light Welterweight champion wrote, “DOUBLE GREATEST.” The attached photograph showed him holding the WBO belt high while The Ring belt adorned his waist.

A close perusal of The Ring’s portal will show the names of the owners. Founded in 1922, the Los Angeles-based boxing magazine has reportedly had five owners. Among them, who is also the current owner, stands Oscar De La Hoya. His ‘Golden Boy Enterprises,’ a division of  ‘Golden Boy Promotions’ bought The Ring in 2007. No wonder many followers highlighted the fact when he wrote early this morning, “The only ratings that matter. @ringmagazine, no corruption, no politics, and no bulls*^^

Anyhow, he was scathing in his remarks yesterday. Calling out the weak and pitiful ruling from the IBF, De La Hoya said, “What a pathetic decision from the IBF. @terencecrawford is the @ringmagazine champion and recognized as the “MAN” Bunch of BULLS*^*”

As it appears, the former world champion has reasons to believe why The Rings magazine’s ratings follow impeccable standards. But what made Teófimo Lopez pitch in between the posts might have left many confused. 

Loss-Championship-Retirement-Return: A Teófimo Lopez Journey

After losing his unified lightweight titles to George Kambosos Jr. in 2021, Lopez surprised everyone by announcing a move to the light welterweight division in 2022. He won the fight against Pedro Campa on August 13. But nothing much could be said about his performance against Sandor Martin when they fought four months later. Nevertheless, by April 2023,  he was ready to challenge then-unified champion Josh Taylor.

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In a sheer display of mastery that reminded many of the Teófimo Lopez of the past, he scored a thumping victory over the Briton. The unanimous win made him the WBO and The Ring Light Welterweight champion.

But it was the drama that unfolded during the subsequent days that put him in the headlines. A few days after becoming the champion, he announced his retirement from boxing. But roughly a month later, probably a serious reconsideration later, he shared an update on his comeback. Thankfully, he could continue with both the WBO and The Ring belts. Teófimo Lopez is expected to return in the first quarter of next year.

Read More: “She’s Gonna Take Half of my Money”: $5 Million Worth Teófimo Lopez Opens Up About Divorce and Personal Issues Ahead of Josh Taylor Title Fight

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In the 140 pounds, do you foresee an eventual clash between Teófimo Lopez and Devin Haney? Please share your views with us in the comments below.

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