Teofimo Lopez is assured he’ll retain his WBO mild welterweight title towards Steve Claggett this Saturday night time on the James L. Knight Heart in Miami, Florida.
Claggett’s Sudden Alternative
Lopez (20-1, 13 KOs) says #8 WBO Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs) thanked him for permitting him to problem for his title throughout their face-off at this time at their last press convention, and it’s not shocking. Teofimo clarifies that he received’t go straightforward on Claggett regardless of him thanking him profusely for the chance.
The 34-year-old Claggett is getting a once-in-a-lifetime world title shot that he hasn’t earned but. He’s being given a shot over higher-ranked fighters who’ve been ready years for an opportunity.
Some would see this transfer as Teofimo, 26, being stored protected, however he claims that not one of the prime fighters have been keen to battle him. Teofimo’s #1 contender, Arnold Barboza Jr., isn’t one among them. He’s been pushing for a battle towards Teofimo for a while, and #2 Jack Catterall is one other fighter who has wished a title shot.
Lopez Sr. Voices Unwavering Perception in His Son
“There’s ranges to this. We’re not shedding to a man with seven males on this planet that beat him. There’s no seven males on the planet which might be higher than my son and even one,” stated Teofimo Lopez Sr. to Struggle Hub TV, speaking about how Teofimo Jr. received’t be shedding to Steven Claggett, who has overwhelmed seven instances in his profession.
Within the minds of followers, Sandor Martin and Jamaine Ortiz confirmed that they have been higher than Teofimo. We already noticed that George Kambosos Jr. had his quantity in his victory over Teofimo in 2021. Teofimo is an effective fighter, however he’s not unbeatable and positively not the perfect at 140. He must be degree above Claggett, however you may’t rule out an upset if he’s put beneath stress.
“We’re at a excessive degree proper now the place are expectations at 26-years-old. He has a lot to present to the game nonetheless. He’s not even in his prime, and it is a battle that we’re not taking evenly,” Teofimo Sr. continued about his son, Lopez.
Teofimo continues to be younger and able to beating many fighters, however he’s not regarded dominant since transferring as much as 140. His energy isn’t as spectacular on this weight class because it was at 135, and the cash he’s made in recent times could also be one purpose why he’s not nearly as good.
It’s a battle on paper that must be straightforward for Teofimo, however you by no means know with him. He’s struggled in a number of of his fights within the final 4 years, and he was purported to win with ease, but he was pushed to the brink.
Some would argue that Teofimo is mentally weak and doesn’t react properly when his opponents come to win. We noticed how Teo crumbled towards George Kambosos Jr. when he put him beneath stress and mentally broke him.
“We at all times battle like we’re preventing the perfect. I do know what my son goes to try this night time, and what it’s simply entertain the general public,” stated Teofimo Sr. “That’s what we do. We entertain. The Takeover is right here. We’re not going nowhere, and he’s wanting superb.”
Teofimo goes to need to be constant in entertaining the general public and looking out spectacular. In his final battle towards Jamaine Ortiz, Teo was cold and warm all through the battle. Ortiz lit Teofimo up within the first eight rounds, education him like nobody had ever achieved.
It was arduous to observe how overmatched Teofimo regarded as a result of he didn’t come near successful any of the rounds. It wasn’t till the ninth that he began to come back on monitor and land some photographs. Even then, Ortiz was higher and outboxing him.
“There’s loads of loopy folks on the market who would put 1,000,000 {dollars} simply to get 100 grand,” stated Teofimo Sr. concerning the odds being stacked of their favor to defeat the perimeter contender Claggett.
“He thanked me for the chance,” stated Teofimo on what Claggett stated to him throughout their face-off at this time on the last press convention. “It’s not likely confidence. It’s somebody that’s excited.”
In fact, Claggett is grateful for the possibility as a result of he’s not younger or ranked extremely with the WBO. He’s by no means overwhelmed anybody notable to be given a title shot, and he’s been picked extra as a result of he’s a protected opponent.
“I stated, ‘I didn’t overlook you,’ and he stated, ‘I recognize that,’” stated Teofimo on his trade with Claggett.
