Teofimo Lopez says he needs to combat WBO interim welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. in Los Angeles later this yr.
Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) expects Norman (26-0, 23 KOs) to be elevated to full WBO welterweight champion by the World Boxing Group now that Terence Crawford has moved as much as 154 and captured the WBA belt.
Capturing the WBO title would put Teofimo inside vary of touchdown a profitable combat in opposition to Crawford.
It’s uncertain that Crawford would come again all the way down to 147 to combat Teofimo, however he may transfer as much as 154 simply as soon as he’s preventing at welterweight and acclimated to the division.
Crawford hadn’t proven a lot curiosity in preventing Teofimo lately, however that was when he nonetheless believed a match in opposition to Canelo Alvarez was potential. That’s now not an choice now that His Excellency Turki Alalshikh has chosen to not pursue it.
If Crawford stays at 154, his choices aren’t any better-paying than a combat in opposition to Teofimo would pay. That’s a combat that sells, particularly if Teofimo beats Brian Norman to seize his WBO belt.
Teofimo’s View of Crawford
“I assumed the age would begin catching as much as him at 38, however it began at 36,” mentioned Teofimo Lopez to Combat Hub TV, speaking about Terence Crawford trying outdated in his combat in opposition to Israil Madromov final Saturday night time.
“They’re placing out this factor that I dodged Brian Norman. I didn’t duck or dodge him in any respect. All I need to do is transfer by combat. I look New York; I really like Madison Sq. Backyard. It’s a terrific residence for me.
“I simply need to attempt a distinct avenue with all due respect and go to LA. I’ll nonetheless combat Brian Norman. Crawford simply fought. I’m certain he’ll need to take a while along with his household. I’ll nonetheless keep energetic. I feel [WBO president] Paco [Valcarcel] is elevating.
Teofimo usually fights in New York Metropolis, the place his fanbase is positioned, however he now needs to attempt LA. Some followers consider this can be a tax-oriented transfer to keep away from the excessive taxes in New York. If this can be a transfer to save cash on taxes, Teofimo must be specializing in Nevada or Texas.
Norman’s Elevation
“Now that Crawford simply fought, I feel Paco goes to raise [WBO interim welterweight champion] Brian Norman to welterweight champion,” mentioned Teofimo. “So, I’ll combat for a world title. I don’t duck no person. It could possibly be the top of this yr or within the fall.”
Teofimo should really need the Crawford payday for him to be keen to maneuver as much as 147 to face a harmful puncher like Brian Norman Jr. He hits exhausting and is coming off of a tenth-round knockout win over Giovani Santillan final Might in San Diego.
“It doesn’t matter to me. We’re prepared, we’re staying prepared. I’m at 155 proper now. I’m certain he’s at 170, and that’s fantastic. We simply preserve going like that. The most effective venue is the Staples Heart [in Los Angeles]. I do know they name it Crypto, however I all the time name it Staples. I by no means fought in LA,” mentioned Teofimo.
