Newly Crowned Champion Teófimo Lopez Remains Adamant on Retiring and Vacates His Title, WBO President Sends a Message to ‘The Takeover’

Somehow, in the back of their minds, fans ruminated that Teófimo Lopez must have been worked up to consider retirement so early in his career. However, the twenty-five-year-old Brooklynite proved yesterday that he was bound and determined. The head of the WBO received his message, showing beyond doubt that he meant business. Teofimo Lopez became the WBO and The Ring Light Welterweight champion a week ago.

His opponent, Josh Taylor, a clear favorite in the bookmaker’s record, stood hopeless as ‘The Takeover’ outboxed and outclassed the Scotsman. It’s the first title victory for Lopez in the 140 lbs. He scaled up a division last year after the loss to George Kambosos Jr. in 2021. However, his performance against Pedro Campa and Sandor Martin questioned his decision. While still in the 135 lbs., he defeated Vasiliy Lomachenko and became a unified Lightweight champion. 

Teofimo Lopez steps down, WBO Head confirms

The President of the World Boxing Association (WBO) shared the information with a group of media persons yesterday. His message on Twitter read, “Just now, Teofimo Lopez is texting me that he relinquished his Jr welterweight title.” Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel added that the governing body holds the young boxer’s decision with the best regards. The gateway to WBO remains wide open. Hence, he can come back if he ever changes his mind.

Early today, ‘The Takeover’ tweeted his message to thank everyone for supporting him in his career. He said, “Thank you, everyone, for making the greatest moments in my career a GREAT ONE! Thank you, @trboxing and @espn, for creating “THE TAKEOVER” into a real thing! I am forever grateful to all of the sanctioning bodies in Boxing for showing me I can and am more than Boxing! What a career.“

Many speculated, including the reigning WBC Light Welterweight champion Regis Prograis, that Lopez’s announcement possibly follows the frustration that surged from the reported measly payout during the Josh Taylor cheque. Post-fight, when a reporter asked his following line of action, Lopez replied that he intended to retire. Anyhow, he’s receiving just around a million dollars for the fight. Badly exhausted, he highlighted that he wanted to take some time out. 

As far as the WBO is concerned, in the absence of Teofimo Lopez, by default, the onus will lie on the second-ranking Arnold Barboza Jr. and Jose Carlos Ramirez, who stand in the third place to slug it out and become the new champion.  

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

What’s your take on Teofimo Lopez’s decision to retire? Does that qualify it as a resolution taken in haste? Do share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments below.

Watch This Story: NBA YoungBoy Roped in as John Gotti III’s sister threatens Floyd Mayweather’s Daughter