Teofimo Lopez says he could transfer as much as 147 for his subsequent combat and problem for a world title.
Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) might problem Brian Norman Jr. for the WBO welterweight belt if he’s upgraded to full Champion’ by the World Boxing Group. Terence Crawford moved as much as 154 and has not mentioned he intends to return to 147 to renew defending the WBO belt.
Norman (26-0, 2Os) captured the WBO interim 147-lb title on Might 18th, knocking out Giovani Santillan within the tenth spherical in San Diego. The ability and toughness that Norman confirmed in that combat was spectacular.
Lopez might want to consider carefully earlier than shifting as much as 147 as a result of his final two performances in opposition to Steve Claggett and Jamaine Ortiz at 140 confirmed he’s not the fighter he was as soon as at 135. The ability didn’t carry up, and he’s appeared common in three out of his final 4 fights.
Prime Rank’s matchmakers have gotten to know that the 23-year-old Brian Norman Jr. can be too highly effective and difficult for Teofimo and can both knock him out or beat him soundly.
Teofimo is in a tricky spot as a result of he wants to maneuver as much as 147 as a result of he appeared badly drained, making weight for the final title protection of his WBO 140-lb belt in opposition to Claggett on June twenty ninth in Miami, Florida.
Lopez’s face was swollen, and each eyes appeared in dangerous form from the numerous punches Claggett had thrown. This was presupposed to be a showcase combat by which Teofimo would look spectacular, nevertheless it turned out to be a very powerful one.
If that efficiency was as a result of struggles Teofimo had making weigh, he’s obtained to maneuver up.
Mark Kriegel: “Two issues I wish to know. You had one-shot lightning energy at 135. Do you might have it at 140 and can you might have it at 147?” mentioned ESPN commentator Kriegel to Prime Rank Boxing.
Teofimo Lopez: “147 is one thing that I plan on shifting in the direction of to most likely even this subsequent upcoming match.”
Kriegel: “The subsequent upcoming match. You talked about Pitbull Cruz. You wish to combat 4 occasions this 12 months. There’s just one option to do it, which is September, most likely within the Backyard. There’s plenty of discuss of you and Brian Norman at 147, which I believe can be a hell of combat. What do you assume?”
Teofimo: “Teofimo Lopez a 3 diviion world champion at 27. That sounds nice to me.”
Kriegel: “You’re being slick now.”
