
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 17: Teofimo Lopez Jr celebrates after defeating Vasiliy Lomachenko (not pictured) in their Lightweight World Title bout at MGM Grand Las Vegas Conference Center on October 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images)

via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 17: Teofimo Lopez Jr celebrates after defeating Vasiliy Lomachenko (not pictured) in their Lightweight World Title bout at MGM Grand Las Vegas Conference Center on October 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images)
In the ever-dynamic world of professional boxing, decisions made outside the ring are crucial to the thrilling fights that you see inside the ring. Recently, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) made a decision that has set the boxing community abuzz. It has rejected the request of Arnold Barboza Jr to be the mandatory adversary for Teofimo Lopez in the 140lbs title.
Moreover, there is an added layer of intrigue to this narrative. So now, the WBO has granted Lopez a voluntary defense, which opens the door for a new challenger. Further, there is a suggestive answer that might have come from an unexpected source. But it’s a name sure to intrigue boxing fans worldwide. So who is this potential fighter? And who has suggested his name?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Who is the potential contender against Teofimo Lopez?
So, recently a boxing promoter and owner of the ‘Ball & Brawl Podcast,‘ Sam Jones, didn’t waste any time responding to WBO’s announcement. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Jones named British boxer Jack Catterall as the man willing and ready to face Lopez.
He wrote, “Haney busy Prograis busy. @jack_catt93 is available to come grab that belt. @TeofimoLopez,” Jones tweeted, tagging both fighters. The tweet was a direct response to another tweet that read, “WBO GRANT LOPEZ A VOLUNTARY DEFENCE”
Haney busy Prograis busy. @jack_catt93 is available to come grab that belt. @TeofimoLopez 🤝 https://t.co/hfthvN5sfu
— Sam Jones (@mrsamjones88) August 1, 2023
Now, will this suggestion spark the interest of the audience? Will Catterall become Lopez’s potential adversary?
Lopez vs. Catterall: Is it a showdown worth watching?
Teofimo Lopez holds multiple world championships and is known for his explosive power. He recently became a two-division world champion by defeating Josh Taylor. Further, he has been in the spotlight for his achievements and controversies alike. Recently, he announced his retirement from boxing, only to return and reclaim the WBO title. On the other hand, Jack Catterall has a record of 27 wins and only 1 loss in the light-welterweight category against none other than Josh Taylor. Notably, Caterall was the challenger for the undisputed light-welterweight title in 2022 against Taylor but lost.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Further, his southpaw stance and unique boxing technique make him a formidable opponent. Indeed, Lopez’s versatility and Catterall’s resilience could create a thrilling showdown. This fight could manifest into something that promises to be one fans won’t want to miss. There’s no doubt that both the fighters have the skill and determination to make this a must-watch bout.
Read More: Teofimo Lopez Reveals Why He Is a “Hall of Famer”
The WBO’s decision has set the stage for a potential clash between Teofimo Lopez and Jack Catterall. Sam Jones’s swift response adds intrigue. Both fighters have impressive records. Will Lopez accept the challenge? Will another contender emerge? Only time will tell.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What are your thoughts on this matchup? Do let us know in the comments below!
Watch This Story: Teofimo Lopez’s Fight Purse: Five Biggest Cash Grabs of ‘The Takeover’
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT