Super-Lightweight world title holder Teofimo Lopez has named three fighting icons as his favourite boxers of all time.
Lopez stunned fans in 2020 when he dethroned Ukrainian wizard Vasily Lomachenko via unanimous decision to lift the IBF, WBO and WBA world lightweight titles.
After that he came unstuck against George Kambosos Jr and lost those same three titles across 12 rounds, but he moved up a division and regained a 140lbs WBO title after beating Josh Taylor in spectacular fashion.
So who in the sport has inspired the 26-year-old to chase greatness? Speaking on the JAXXON Podcast, Lopez detailed his first pick and went with a 1930s heavyweight champion.
“Joe Louis was the generation of a new audience. He was beating so many asses up. Different style. His demeanour. I grab things not just from styles but mentality.”
He stuck with the heavyweights for his second choice and went with a stylist.
“Then we go into Floyd Paterson. Beautiful jab, was good at the one-twos.”
Last of all, after admitting this list was not in order, he spoke of his admiration for ‘The Greatest.’
“Muhammad Ali. For me, those other guys had good tactics, and kept things serious, but Ali brought some light into the game, into the sport. But outside of the sport he stood for something. He learned that from Malcolm X. Stand for something and fall for nothing. I loved that about Ali, he’s a true inspiration.”
Lopez is expected to return to the ring in early 2024 and though no opponent has yet been officially announced, Devin Haney’s impressive arrival in the super lightweight division represents an interesting option.
Despite that being the fight many want to see, Lopez has strong ties to Jamaine Ortiz for his February fight.