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Despite his overwhelming success at 135 pounds, it’s been tough sledding for Teofimo Lopez at super lightweight. Although he’s picked up two victories since making the move, countless NFL prognosticators, including Andre Ward and Tim Bradley, have been far from impressed.
Ultimately, their thoughts were buffered following Lopez’s recent outing. While attempting to get accustomed to life against bigger and stronger men, the 25-year-old became bemused as Sandor Martin decided to stick and move during their December 10th, showdown.
Still, regardless of his somewhat listless performance, Lopez would go on to eke out a close split-decision victory. With back-to-back triumphs safely tucked away, Lopez (18-1, 13 KOs) occupied the second position in the WBC sanctioning body. But, with Jose Ramirez opting to decline his mandatory title shot against Regis Prograis, team Lopez will now be given an opportunity.
Teofimo Lopez Sr., as bombastic and loquacious as ever, is not only hoping that his son gets a chance to lock horns against Prograis next but if the decision were solely up to him, he believes he knows an ideal date.
“We want him,” said Lopez Sr. to ESNEWS. “We want him in April. We coming after his ass.”
Prior to team Lopez placing a gigantic target on the back of the Louisiana native, Prograis (28-1, 24 KOs) was striving to work his way back to a position of power. Following his majority decision defeat at the hands of Josh Taylor in 2019, Prograis violently reeled off three consecutive victories.
His reward, subsequently, was a shot at the vacant WBC crown against Jose Zepeda. After engaging in a back-and-forth brawl, it was Prograis who emerged victoriously, battering Zepeda to the tune of an 11th-round stoppage win.
With his gloves soaked in the blood of his past opponents, Prograis has advised team Lopez to stay away from him. Nevertheless, Lopez Sr. isn’t eschewing the daunting task at hand. Although most in boxing circles, including Bob Arum, Lopez’s promoter, view Prograis as the favorite in their possible matchup, Lopez Sr. believes that if the fight is made, Prograis will suffer a lopsided beating.
“My son is easy prey for Regis. So come and get it. We gonna beat the sh!t out of him every round.”
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