Following on from his tight split-decision loss against George Kambosos Jr for the unified WBA ‘Super’, WBO and IBF straps back in November, “The Takeover” Teofimo Lopez now looks for another challenge as he moves up in weight to take on veteran Mexican slugger Pedro Campa (34-1-1) in Vegas this weekend.
In a Top Rank press release, the former lightweight champion said:
“The Takeover is back! I took over the lightweight division, and I plan on doing the same at junior welterweight. Pedro Campa is a tough opponent with an aggressive Mexican style, and I can’t wait to put on a show for the fans.”
His shock defeat to Kambosos Jr topped American broadcaster ESPN’s 2021 “Upset of the Year” table. After some time off, the 25-year-old is raring to get back in the win column and begin his charge to more world titles in this new weight class.
Lopez discussed his loss in November at Madison Square Garden.
“Every person goes through challenges, but I’ve put the past behind me and am thrilled to be back fighting on ESPN and in Las Vegas. I am calling this fight the ‘Take Back’ because I am coming to regain what I’ve lost. One defeat does not define a fighter, and it won’t define me.”
“I am only 25 years old. My best years are in front of me. Pedro Campa is the start of a new chapter in my career. I will be a two-weight world champion very soon. Every contender and champion at junior welterweight better watch out because I am coming to clean out the division.”
The ESPN 2018 Prospect of the Year still only has 17 bouts in the paid ranks under his name.
Lopez will be looking to replicate the performances of his wins against Richard Commey and Vasyl Lomachenko that made him a world champion, and one of the biggest stars in the sport, when he debuts at 140lbs against Campa.