TEOFIMO Lopez could potentially move up to fight WBO Interim welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr in his next bout. Lopez, currently holding the WBO title at super-lightweight and previously owning the WBO, WBA, and IBF belts at lightweight, is eyeing a chance to become a three-weight world champion.
If he were to defeat Norman Jr, with a record of 26-0 (20 KOs), it would mark a significant achievement in his career. Rumors suggest a possible showdown in September at Madison Square Garden, a prospect that has piqued Lopez’s interest.
“I think that sounds really exciting,” expressed Lopez in a conversation with ESPN’s Mark Kriegel. “Yes, Teofimo Lopez, a three-divisional world champion at 27 years old. That sounds fantastic to me, and I’m fully on board with it.”
Following a dominant performance against Steve Claggett in Florida, Teofimo aims to fight four times this year, with September lining up as the third bout and December as the fourth.
To overcome the resilient Norman Jr, who showcased toughness against Giovani Santillan in a recent fight, Teofimo will need to maintain the punching power he exhibited at 135 pounds but has yet to fully demonstrate at 140 pounds. While his speed and athleticism remain intact, the question lingers – does he still possess that fight-altering power?
“I believe my power is still there. I am continuing to develop and grow in terms of power. It’s more about intelligence and emotional intelligence when you’re in the ring, and that’s where my focus lies now,” commented Lopez, somewhat cryptically.
Although a matchup with Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz was being explored, a shift to the welterweight division would likely nullify that possibility. Lopez hinted at a move to 147 pounds in the near future, possibly even in his next fight.