“He Will Be This Generation of Boxers Adrian Broner”: Fans in Agreement as Mike Tyson’s Ex Trainer Predicts Teófimo Lopez’s Fate Against Josh Taylor

Tomorrow, the fate of the Light Welterweight title will come out. Teofimo Lopez, who moved to 140 lbs. last year, challenged reigning champion Josh Taylor. However, many ask whether the American boxer who in his past defeated Vasiliy Lomachenko has what it takes to become a world champion once again. Among them, legendary trainer Teddy Atlas sat down for a detailed analysis of tomorrow’s bout.

Atlas had previously trained Mike Tyson, besides Tim Bradley and Alexander Povetkin. When asked during the podcast The Fight with Teddy Atlas who the promotions would want to win, the ace trainer replied that if he had to make a calculated guess, the establishment would want Taylor to retain the belts. Many fans chimed in with their reasonings.

Why Josh Taylor could win this fight?

A user named Kevi pointed out on a very poignant note that Teofimo is standing at a critical juncture in his career. If he manages a win, then he can rebuild his lost legacy besides standing alongside other big names in the sport. If he fails, then in all likelihood, he might end up as another version of Adrien Broner for the current generation’s boxers. The user wrote, “Defining moment for Teo… or he will be this generation of boxers Adrian Broner.“

The following user has doubts about Lopez’s mental health status. Even though it may sound a bit out of proportion, at the young age of twenty-five, career-wise, Teofimo Lopez finds himself at a point of no return. The user hence puts his money on Taylor, “Going with Taylor. I question where Teo is [at] mentally. Crazy to think that at age 25, Teo is at a crossroads fight, but it feels that way.“

Another user predicted that Taylor will win the bout by an early stoppage. He stipulated that though Lopez is athletic, his performance remains unstable. The much bigger Josh Taylor, with an undefeated record, had built a solid reputation in the 140 lbs. division. Additionally, he is a southpaw who can fight on the inside, which Lopez has always struggled with. “Can’t see Teofimo winning this… Taylor also happens to do his best work on the inside, and Lopez has pretty much no inside game, so Taylor wins by the stoppage for me.“

According to the following user, Atlas missed a few key points. For instance, Taylor’s new trainer Joe McNally. Thanks to the latter, the boxer feels that he could revert to his natural way of boxing, which is combative. Secondly, Lopez, despite all his bravado, appears unbalanced. Hence from all that appears, Taylor will win the match, the user envisioned, “Points not mentioned: Taylor has a new coach in Joe McNally from Liverpool, England. Reason for the change: he felt he was being taken away from his naturally aggressive style…“

Teofimo Lopez is a good boxer, but outside the ring, comments and issues mar his chances

Teofimo Lopez also received some support as one user contemplates that he is an outstanding counter-puncher. Hence when Taylor aggressively charges, Lopez knocks him out. However, if the fight proceeds to decisions, it will go Taylor’s way. They wrote, “Teo is a great counter puncher, and Taylor is coming forward, so Teo is Going to ko Taylor. That’s what I see in this fight. If it goes to the judges, Taylor wins.“

While an obvious underdog in the oddsmaker’s book, Teofimo Lopez’s off-late comments haven’t helped him secure a favorable perception among followers. Instead, he had to come out in the open to ease the doubts over his mental health. Hence, whether the young boxer can reclaim the lost glory remains to be seen.

Read More: “I Can Make Them Better”: Teddy Atlas Explains “A Guy Like Ryan Garcia” Would Interest Him

What’s your take on this matchup? Do you agree with Atlas’ assessment of the Taylor-Lopez fight? Do share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

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