Two-division world champion and recently crowned lineal/WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez, recently stunned the boxing fraternity by openly discussing his retirement from the sport. Following his remarkable victory over previously unbeaten champion Josh Taylor at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater in New York City, Lopez reiterated his determination to leave boxing at the pinnacle of his career.

Lopez’s victory over Taylor was a dominant display of his skills and cemented his status in the sport. While many came out and criticized the 25-year-old for retiring from the sport, he has expressed his desire to explore other avenues while stepping away from the ring.

Teofimo Lopez reveals his retirement plans

In a recent interview with sports commentator Max Kellerman, the two-division champion has a plethora of ideas related to the sport. However, he feels that he cannot fully explore them if he remains focused solely on training and preparing for fights.

“Right now, I’m just really… I have a lot of ideas about the sport of boxing. I really can’t do that if I’m always in the gym training and preparing for another fight. So, I’m just gonna really focus right now on that task.” he said

Lopez’s desire to delve into various aspects of boxing beyond the ring is understandable. As a world champion at just 25 years old, he possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience that could be utilized in different ways within the sport. Although it remains to be seen what specific ideas Lopez has in mind, the boxing world eagerly awaits further announcements. In addition, he also revealed what it would take to bring him back to the ring.

Lopez names his price for a potential comeback

Lopez, recently revealed that he would only consider returning to the ring if he receives a nine-figure contract deal. In an appearance on the
Porter Way Podcast he voiced his dissatisfaction for ESPN, for whom he has made over $100 million. Moreover, he also expressed frustration over other fighters being paid more despite accomplishing far less.

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“The only way you get Teofimo back is a nine-figure contract deal. Because I’ve made ESPN over a hundred million dollars, and I’m still getting paid a million dollars to fight. While all these others fights who have not even done a quarter of what I’ve done and accomplished are in the sport, they’re getting eight, ten, twelve, fifteen million dollars. So obviously I’m the black sheep of the industry.” Lopez said

The 25-year-old’s insistence on a nine-figure contract highlights his belief in his own market value. Whether a deal can be reached that satisfies his requirements remains to be seen. However, fans will hope that Lopez’s undeniable talent and accomplishments will eventually lead to his return to the ring.

What did you think about Lopez opening up about his unexpected retirement? Let us know in the comments.

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