Teofimo Lopez Faces Setback as Eddie Hearn Shares Unfavorable Update on Saudi Bout

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WBO super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez has experienced an extended break in his boxing career due to a slowdown. Since winning his most recent bout against Canadian Steve Claggett by unanimous decision a month earlier and following Jamaine Ortiz in February 2024 with controversial points wins on both counts, Lopez appeared ready for more. Unfortunately despite multiple fight offers being presented to him due to earlier disputes with Top Rank Promotions; recent developments suggest these relations have improved since.

Eddie Hearn revealed some disappointing news for Lopez when speaking in an interview. While acknowledging ongoing negotiations for a fight between Richardson Hitchins and Lopez, Hearn confirmed these discussions were happening with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh instead of Top Rank. Still, Hearn expressed readiness for such an engagement highlighting its potential as both unification fight and significant opportunity for New York, creating the potential for what may become an electrifying showdown between Lopez and Hitchins.

However, Hearn also cautioned Lopez by backing Hitchins to win, which marks a serious challenge to Lopez’s future fight plans. This sentiment was echoed by Bob Arum of Top Rank, who revealed that Saudis had proposed a three-fight deal to Lopez. The ball is now in Lopez’s court to approve the deal, showcasing a potential path forward for the fighter amidst this uncertainty.

Bob Arum Highlights Lopez’s Next Moves

Arum detailed to Fight Hype that the negotiation with the Saudis involves a three-fight agreement for Lopez, marking a significant step in his career if accepted. With Arum set to discuss these plans with Lopez upon his return to Vegas, the boxing community is keen to see whether Lopez will engage in this potentially career-defining series of bouts.

Eddie Hearn mentioned that Hitchins may delay their bout with Lopez by engaging George Kambosos during New York summer training camp first – thus delaying an anticipated bout against Lopez.

Lopez sees Hitchins as an opportunity to not only compete for the IBF super lightweight title, but to reassert himself on the boxing scene as well. Now is up to Lopez whether he will seize this momentous chance and deliver what should be an enthralling bout!