“It’s Okay to Be Right Behind Me”: Teofimo Lopez Gives Harsh Reality Check to Devin Haney on Being Number 2 in the Super Lightweight Division

Teofimo Lopez barely saved himself in his bout with Sandor Martin. After this, he decided he would revive himself to be the number one. Lopez defied expectations as the underdog, securing both the WBO and The Ring junior welterweight titles by convincingly dominating former undisputed champion Josh Taylor last June. Now, he is poised to once again prove himself as the best in the Super lightweight division on February 8th, facing Jamaine Ortiz. But is he alone?

Devin Haney is currently feuding with Ryan Garcia as their potential fight seems to be failing negotiations. It seems he might just have to find another fighter now. Amidst this hullabaloo, Lopez has decided to go after Haney in order to get him into the ring for a potential fight while ranking him as No.2 behind himself.

Teofimo Lopez ropes in Floyd Mayweather while making a point to Devin Haney

Devin Haney added himself to the list of two-weight division champions after securing his victory against Regis Prograis this past December. He is now the WBC super lightweight champion. However, this is of no consequence to Lopez who still considered Haney beneath himself. “I beat the guy that was the man in the division, so I am king… Devin Haney is #2, Teofimo is #1,” said Lopez referring to his win over Taylor.

‘The Takeover’ roped in Floyd Mayweather to explain the situation better. “Like Floyd Mayweather said with Manny Pacquiao – it’s okay, it’s okay to be #2, it’s okay to be right behind me, I’ll show you the way, don’t worry,” added Lopez while talking to FightHype. Could it be another attempt at getting Haney to engage him in a fight? Only time will tell. Before that, let us take a look at the fight at hand.

What do we know about Teofimo Lopez’s next fight?

Lopez, is set to face Ortiz on February 8th in a title fight. Ortiz secured a unanimous decision victory against Antonio Moran in a 10-round bout at the American Bank Center, Corpus Christi, in September of the previous year. The upcoming title match is scheduled to occur at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas. The event will also feature Keyshawn Davis taking on Jose Pedraza.

Read More: Hours After Taking U-Turn on Fight Negotiations, Ryan Garcia Attempts to Humble Angered Devin Haney’s Retaliation With Fierce Remarks

Davis’ earlier majority decision win against Nahir Albright was nullified after a positive marijuana test led to his suspension by the Texas Commission. The fight, organized by Tank Rank in collaboration with Takeover Promotions and CES Boxing, will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT.

Haney seems too busy going back and forth with Garcia at the moment. Therefore it remains to be seen what Devin Haney’s response will be. Do you think Lopez’s provocation will fall on deaf ears? Or is a fight likely?

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