“Floyd Is Retired”: Teófimo Lopez Delves Into the Intriguing Reason Behind Calling Out Floyd Mayweather for a Sparring Session

Teófimo Lopez, who moved to 140 lbs. by August last year, took everyone by surprise as he knocked the wind off a bewildered Josh Taylor. Given the previous two outings in the divisions, his performance reassured the fighter’s return, who famously took out the formidable Ukrainian ring machine Vasiliy Lomachenko three years ago. But the Brooklynite perhaps kept the best-kept secret with him to unravel once he drummed out Taylor. He startled everyone by announcing his retirement from the sport. Maybe, he’s still done with dropping bombshells. Even as fans try to fathom the decision, comes the double whammy on Lopez calling out a legend for sparring!

Emerging as one of the brightest prospects in the Lightweight division, Teofimo Lopez’s victory over ‘The Matrix’ sounded serendipitous when it gave it away to George Kambosos Jr. a year later. Though announcing a move to Light Welterweight raised curiosity, Lopez’s performance against Pedro Campa and Sandro Martin muffled soaring spirits. The only way out, take Josh Taylor, a former undisputed champion, out of the equation.

Teofimo Lopez reaches out to Floyd Mayweather Jr.

And ‘The Takeover’ did that emphatically at New York City’s Hulu Center on June 10. But the post-match retirement announcement – he is still twenty-five and has plenty of boxing left, provided he stays. Now he is reaching out to another retiree. Yesterday, he extended an invitation to the undefeated former champion, Floyd Mayweather Jr. Expressing an interest in sparring with the boxing great, he mentioned a willingness to a new role as a student of the sport and an eagerness to raise his intelligence level that matched his.

The move wouldn’t have gone without question. @Boxingego asked, “Why Teofimo wanna spar [with] Floyd Mayweather? Ain’t you RETIRED? Clout Chasing is a disease. I thought you had J-LO. Spar her #EGO.”

Always room for improvement

Teofimo Lopez responded early today. He said that while he and Mayweather Jr. are retired, there’s always room for learning from someone at the top of the game. That way, he could also help the upcoming boxers by sharing knowledge. He said, “Floyd is retired, and so am I… Worry about your life and your $8 to $12 monthly twitter verification. Now that’s clout.“

Over 100k have already viewed the post. From the reactions, it is clear that many questioned his intentions since he is a retired boxer. But there were a few who termed it an honorable proposition. And some skeptical minds still believe in the young fighter staging a return once reality sets in.

Read More: After Relinquishing His World Championship Title, Teofimo Lopez Has a Message for the People Who Question His Greatness

What is your take on Lopez’s overtures? Do you think it’s a good idea and Mayweather Jr. should accept it? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

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