WBO tremendous light-weight champion Teofimo Lopez [20-1, 13 KOs] has justified his determination to face the unheralded Steve Claggett on June 29.
Lopez places his belt on the road towards Claggett [38-7-2, 26 KOs] on Saturday, June 29, at James L. Knight Middle in Miami, Florida, in a contest that didn’t seize the creativeness when introduced. Many needed Lopez to agree on a unification following his very good victory over Josh Taylor. It didn’t occur, and Lopez says Claggett was chosen as a result of most well-liked various opponents turned down his affords.
“Not like these different supposed champs at 140, Steve Claggett is the one fighter who raised his hand and stepped as much as problem me,” mentioned Lopez. £No different fighters have been desirous about getting within the ring with me.
“These different fighters need me to assist them make a reputation for themselves. Though individuals don’t know a lot about him, Claggett could be very powerful and at all times involves struggle. I need to face fighters like that. Like my final opponent, I don’t need to face fighters who discuss quite a bit and are simply making an attempt to develop into well-known. I hit him within the second spherical, and he ran the remainder of the struggle. That’s not good for boxing.”
Lopez tops a card that includes Robeisy Ramirez and Brandon Leon Benitez buying and selling blows, plus Nico Ali Walsh aiming to avenge his solely loss to Sona Akale.
“The Takeover” bids to win comfortably earlier than shifting on to the extra vital names within the division.
“I need to face the highest canine in any division I marketing campaign in. Regardless of the doubters, I’ve overcome related skepticism prior to now, like earlier than my fights towards Josh Taylor and Vasiliy Lomachenko,” identified the previous light-weight king.
“All through my profession, I’ve at all times sought to compete towards the easiest. I’m at all times prepared to problem myself. After this struggle, if I can get the opposite junior welterweight champs to get within the ring with me, my main purpose might be to check and push my limits. I need the triple crown.”
On Claggett, Lopez added, “This might be a tricky struggle. Many individuals have a look at Claggett’s file and assume I’ll struggle a no one, however he hasn’t misplaced in three years. He has fought former champions. He at all times involves struggle and throws a whole lot of punches.
“I must be in nice situation to battle a fighter like him. However I can’t overlook him, get overconfident, and mess around with him. I do know this struggle might be nice for all my individuals in Miami.”
The Prime Rank occasion might be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Sky Sports activities will broadcast the occasion within the UK and Eire. Any remaining tickets are on sale by way of Ticketmaster.com.
Learn all articles and unique interviews by Phil Jay. Be taught extra concerning the writer, skilled boxing author, and World Boxing Information Editor since 2010. Comply with on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
