WBO super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez has been lagging behind for a while, with barely any notable action in the ring. ‘The Takeover’ is coming off a unanimous decision win over Steve Claggett of Canada. This came after the controversial points win over Jamaine Ortiz in February 2024.

Since then, several fight offers have been made to the 27-year-old Brooklyn, New York native, but Lopez has refused to take them, fumbling his chance at a proper payday. This could have resulted from his issues with his promoter, Top Rank, but the latest updates reveal that the promoter and fighter are back on good terms.

In the meantime, Matchroom honcho Eddie Hearn has some bad news for the WBO super lightweight champion. While appearing in an interview with Fight Hype recently, the veteran boxing promoter spoke about the rumored fight between Lopez and Richardson Hitchins. “Yeah, there has been,” Hearn confirmed when asked about whether talks are ongoing for the fight.

However, Hearn revealed that he has been in talks with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh for the fight rather than Top Rank for the fight to happen. “We’re ready for that fight. Richardson’s ready to jump up in a unification fight straight off the bat,” he added. “The deal’s got to be right obviously. But no problem. I mean, that’s a brilliant fight for New York. Teo against Hitchins. Brilliant fight.”

Meanwhile, he also delivered some bad news for Lopez, stating, “And we win that fight. So forget the plans for Teofimo Lopez. Richardson Hitchins will beat Teofimo Lopez. So we’re ready for that fight.” Even Bob Arum has commented on Lopez’s next fight and his future in the sport while speaking to Fight Hype recently.

Bob Arum says it’s all up to Teofimo Lopez now

The Top Rank head told Fight Hype that the Saudis have approached him with a three-fight deal for Lopez. “The Saudis have come to us and they’ve talked about making a three-fight deal with Teofimo which we like very much, and now the ball’s in Teofimo’s court to get his approval,” he said.

“I’ll be back in Vegas on Saturday and I’ll be contacting Teofimo and his people and we’ll see where it goes from there,” he added. However, the potential fight might not be Hitchins’ very next fight, as Hearn commented on Hitchins’ next fight stating, “To be honest, before Teofimo, we’re just planning the George Kambosos fight in New York in the summer.”

Teofimo Lopez appears to have a clear path ahead, but whether he’ll step into the ring for this fight remains uncertain. Taking on Hitchins would not only present a thrilling challenge but also give Lopez the chance to claim the IBF super lightweight title. What do you think—will Lopez take the bout?