Teofimo Lopez will be looking at big fights and big fights only when he fully returns to the sport.
The 26-year-old became a two-division champion last time out – an incredible display to beat formerly undisputed super-lightweight champion, Josh Taylor, ranking right up beside his upset win over Vasily Lomachenko years prior.
Lopez announced his early retirement post-fight, but has since confirmed he will fight on for the right money and was elevated to WBO Super-Champion, giving him a little more freedom as to mandatory challengers and defences.
One of the most popular fighters he has been linked with is Ryan Garcia.
Speaking to Pro Box TV, Lopez confirmed that the talks to face Garcia on Super Bowl weekend at The Sphere in Las Vegas were indeed happening, but also mentioned Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis.
“We’ve got to let these guys get their wins and get their feet wet at the 140 division. Everybody changes and their plans could change the moment they feel those punches, so I can’t really say for certain.
However, these are things that we pitched out to the arenas and mainly the promoters. Maybe me and Ryan Garcia or me and Tank Davis. I know those have been talked about. I’m always up for a good fight like that – a fun fight for the fans.”
As Lopez still focuses on matters in his personal life, Garcia is out on December 2 against hard-hitting Mexican, Oscar Duarte. The comeback following his loss to Davis is a nice first test as he settles into the super-lightweight division for good.
As for ‘Tank’ – the man who many will feel should be in with Lopez given the fact he beat Garcia earlier this year – he is planning to get back out in early 2024, perhaps in a rematch with Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, one of just two men to take the Baltimore native the distance, albeit still a unanimous decision win.
Whether or not he fancies another fight at 140 remains to be seen, with plenty of options still at lightweight and the chance to pick up some vacant belts soon if Devin Haney vacates or is stripped.