Teofimo Lopez must make good on or dial back his claim of retirement within 24 hours should he want to hold onto his WBO Super-Lightweight World title.
Following his impressive win over former undisputed champion, Josh Taylor, in just his third outing at 140lbs, Lopez announced his retirement from the sport due to a lack of financial backing from promoters.
Whilst he has since said he would consider a return for a bumper deal with a broadcaster, he has also personally told the WBO’s President that he will be vacating his title.
This decision is now being forced to be either changed or solidified, with the WBO ready to order a vacant title fight between contenders Arnold Barboza Jr and Jose Carlos Ramirez Jr.
In a letter to Lopez’ most recent promoter, Bob Arum, the sanctioning body summed up the situation with Lopez.
“Notwithstanding the above, on June 10, 2023, Teofimo Lopez Jr, won the WBO Jr. Welterweight Championship via unanimous decision against former “Undisputed” and “Lineal” WBO Jr. Welterweight Champion Josh Taylor. Immediately thereafter, Teofimo Lopez Jr, manifested publicly and to the WBO President his desire of relinquishing the WBO Jr. Welterweight Championship.”
The letter goes on to set favourable conditions for the 25-year-old should he confirm retirement, granting him a shot at the title if he returns within twelve months of the vacant title fight.
Now, if this Committee determines to declare the WBO Jr. Welterweight Championship “Vacant,” and the Barboza Jr/Ramirez Jr, bout is conducted, but Teofimo Lopez Jr, decides to fight, considering the peculiar circumstances surrounding his decision as well as his personal affairs, we are recommending to the WBO Executive Committee Members that based on his extraordinary professional accomplishments (e.g., “Undisputed” Lightweight Champion and recently defeating the “Lineal” WBO Jr. Welterweight Champion in Josh Taylor), that he shall have the right to fight as the Mandatory Challenger in the Jr. Welterweight division regardless of any “Undisputed Champion” who wishes to fight for the WBO Jr. Welterweight Championship’ in a period no greater than 12 months from the date the Barboza, Jr./Ramirez, Jr. bout takes place.
Finally, it was confirmed that the Barboza Jr-Ramiez Jr order would be rescinded should Lopez confirm he would continue to fight as champion within 24 hours.
Therefore, this Committee sets forth the following additional conditions: (i) Teofimo Lopez Jr personally, has 24 hours upon issuance of this notice to confirm in writing to the WBO Championship Committee whether he retains his WBO Jr. Welterweight Championship; if the WBO Championship Committee does not receive such confirmation in writing within the term stated herein or having the 24 hour term elapsed without no confirmation, on behalf of Teofimo Lopez, Jr., it will be understood that the WBO Jr. Welterweight Championship is declared “Vacant”
(ii) if Teofimo Lopez Jr, personally, confirms in writing that he is retaining his WBO Jr Welterweight Championship, the Barboza Jr/Ramirez Jr, negotiation order is terminated “Ipso Facto”
The ball is now in Lopez’ court, who must make good on his retirement claims or keep the belt he won in such good fashion.