Media Review: Teofimo Lopez and the worst wish you can make

YouTube

This weekend, fans of boxing will be treated to an exciting and high-stakes match between Josh Taylor and Teofimo Lopez. While the fight is expected to showcase impressive skills and heart, there has been controversy leading up to the event, mainly due to comments made by Lopez in recent weeks.

Known for his outspoken nature, the 25-year-old has faced criticism after expressing his desire to take someone’s life in the ring. In an interview with the YouTube channel Punsh Drunk Boxing, Lopez doubled down on these comments, saying, “I want to kill Josh Taylor…Taylor’s got no heart, so what can I really take from this man? His life…The only way I can make a statement is by doing that.”

These are horrifying statements to make, and it is concerning that Lopez appears to believe that taking a life is necessary to make a statement in the boxing world. It is worth noting that Lopez has also discussed his mental health struggles and ongoing divorce proceedings, raising questions about his well-being.

While Taylor has handled the situation maturely, organizers of the Madison Square Garden event must still grapple with Lopez’s comments. It is crucial that there be a duty of care for fighters who display erratic behavior and violent tendencies.

Social Media

While this column typically does not focus on social media, recent events involving Gervonta Davis cannot go unremarked upon. After being sentenced to house arrest for a hit-and-run incident, Davis was sent to jail for violating the terms of his house arrest and subsequently posted a video on Instagram claiming he was being unjustly targeted by the judge in his case. It is concerning that Davis still doesn’t seem to grasp the gravity of his actions or the impact they have had on others.

Websites

Claressa Shields drew a crowd of 11,784 fans in Detroit for her dominant win over Maricela Cornejo. This impressive showing proves Shields’ ability to attract fans and generate interest in women’s boxing.

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