Teofimo Lopez is a man in high demand following a victory over Josh Taylor that saw him crowned a two-weight world champion.
Lopez silenced doubters and proved the bookmakers wrong, winning a world title in his third fight at super-lightweight. He outclassed Scotland’s Taylor, who was previously undefeated and undisputed in the division.
The victory has revitalised the 25-year-old’s career and re-entered him into the conversation of the very best fighters in the world.
Despite plenty of doors being opened, he promptly announced his retirement from boxing – although most fans believe he will return for the right price.
There are plenty of names who could provide that payday, one of which is Ryan Garcia.
Garcia has confirmed a move up to join Lopez at 140lbs following a high-profile loss to Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis put a full stop on him fighting around the lightweight limit.
He’s interested in the fight, too – at least according to the champion.
Speaking to FightHype, Lopez said he received a direct message from his rival post Taylor fight. It was promptly deleted.
“Ryan DM’d me and everything. Bro’s desperate for a payday. He DM’d me after the Josh Taylor fight. I deleted it.”
“Ryan just said that if I’m looking forward to it, ‘We could make some good money, and we can make the fight happen.’”
Despite his recent loss, Garcia can still boast being part of one of the most financially successful boxing events in recent memory.
That reason alone could see him in with the champions at super-lightweight sooner rather than later – but it seems Lopez has made up his mind for now.