Teofimo Lopez shocked the boxing world when he announced his retirement from the sport shortly after his brilliant world title win over Josh Taylor earlier this month.
The victory shot him back into the conversation of the best fighters in the world, and ‘The Takeover’ has recently stated he would be willing to return to the ring – providing the terms and conditions are right.
Speaking to Boxing Social, he explained that a long term, big money deal is the only way fans will see him call time on his premature retirement.
“The only way I come back is a multi fight, nine figure deal. People misunderstood what I mean, it’s not just one fight. I’m looking at three to five years, or a six to eight fight deal with a network.”
“The reason why is that I know what the boxing industry is going to do to me if I come back, and I’m okay with that. I’ll sacrifice my greatness for it, as long as my family is going to be secured after. That’s what really matters to me.”
“I f***ed up everybody’s plans, as it should be. And that’s the greatest feeling in the world. Not just saying you’re retired, but f***ing up everyone else’s plans as well.”
A two-weight world champion aged just 25, it seems unthinkable that Lopez would not compete again, especially given the host of big fights available in and around his weight class.
Amongst those potential bouts are the likes of Devin Haney and Gervonta Davis, who have recently established themselves as up there with the biggest names in boxing and with whom Lopez has had a long term rivalry.