Teofimo Lopez: “Floyd was always someone who stayed motivated. He knew what was on hand.” The 23-year-old is unknowingly planning his next career move after his WBA, IBF and WBO lightweight titles. unification
With Richard Damerell and Nik Hobbs
Last updated: 09/01/21 5:48 pm
Teofimo Lopez is recognized as one of the top fighters in the world
Teofimo Lopez admits that Floyd Mayweather is motivated to remain “in control” for excellent fights against Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia.
The Brooklyn fighter is still basking in a year-round startup, having earned prestigious status as a world No. 1 lightweight with an outstanding victory over Ukrainian star Vasiliy Lomachenko in October.
Lopez now holds WBA, IBF and WBO belts, along with the added honor of being named ‘Co-Hero of the Year’ by The Ring Magazine, but the 23-year-old is unknowingly promised to the to retain sport.
Lopez showed unanimous decision on Ukrainian star Vasiliy Lomachenko
The Brooklyn fighter was celebrating with his collection of world titles
“We did it, don’t be comfortable, we have to keep moving. We have to keep working,” Lopez said. Sky Sports News.
“I learned that from Floyd. Floyd was always someone who stayed motivated. He knew what was at hand. He always stayed in shape for a reason, because he never got his. -ever caught him, and because he was so controlling.
“It’s about control. Right now you’re disciplined and you have that self-discipline, you can do those things without being so hard.”
George Kambosos Jnr, a compelling IBF opponent, could be the next line for Lopez, although the New Yorker also wants to rip the last remaining WBC belt from Devin Haney.
3:25 Devin Haney says it is an honor to be compared to Floyd Mayweather
Haney’s slow style has even led to comparisons with Mayweather, but Lopez believes his co-star needs more time to mature his ring skills and showmanship.
“He needs to raise his game and talk. It’s awful, it’s bad, it’s really bad,” Lopez said.
“They have to work on that. I think, with Devin, he has a lot of things where it needs to be written. He can’t come out.
“In the same way that we helped Loma out in the process, we are going to help Devin Haney out in the process as well.
I believe Devin Haney will be next.
Teofimo Lopez
“We’re going to make the fight happen. I tried to save his career. I did. I didn’t look at you. I tried to defend his career. I said to him, ‘Hey three to five years, work your way up.’ But now, he’s got out, and he made me go now, so we’re going to start click on it.
“Me and my dad, we’re on the same page. I believe Devin Haney will be next.”
Garcia, even without a belt, has emerged as one of the most impressive wrestlers at 135lbs, and the high-ranking California countered his doubts by climbing off the canvas to stop Luke Campbell in the end. -week last week.
Ryan Garcia overcame an early blow to beat Luke Campbell
Social media supports the 22-year following and has since made a lucrative call with Gervonta Davis.
“People had a sense of questioning about Ryan Garcia’s chin,” Lopez said. “Luke Campbell kind of showed it. He showed it that night.
“But for him to return, I think that’s what surprised everyone. The way Ryan Garcia came back and ended the way he did. A lot of people are very excited about about that.
“It’s a big fight. These people are hungry, we’re all hungry. We have to do the best fight.
“Whether it’s his team or not, they know what they’re doing with Ryan Garcia. He’s probably not the most skilled fighter, however, he’s the best man. skilled on social media out there when it comes to this category.That you have to believe that.
“That’s why I think a lot of these people want Ryan Garcia next, because they know what level of exposure they’re going to get.
“I think Ryan himself knows that.”
Lopez also has a unique selling point, his brutal honesty, which extends to his own strengths and failures. The best in the world in a stellar segment? It’s just getting started …
“People have to be careful,” Lopez said. “I tell them like this, ‘It’ s better that you find me now, than later ‘.
“By the time you get me later, it will be too late for everyone.”