Almost two months after its preliminary reveal, Teofimo Lopez’s subsequent title protection is official. High Rank introduced as we speak that “The Takeover” will meet Canadian veteran Steve Claggett on June twenty ninth at Miami, Florida’s James L. Knight Middle.
It’s value noting that this ESPN present will nearly actually run head-to-head with Juan Francisco Estrada vs. “Bam” Rodriguez on DAZN.
Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KO), 34, will get his first world title shot almost 16 years after his skilled debut. His report isn’t the prettiest, however he’s not the kind of “crush cans whereas periodically getting fed to prospects” paper tiger it’s possible you’ll anticipate; he’s obtained some stable wins over Yves Ulysse Jr and Petros Ananyan alongside a slew of mid-level victims, he hasn’t been stopped in over a decade, and half of his losses since have been break up or majority choices.
Nonetheless, whereas it’s good to see him obtain this chance after placing within the work, he looks as if a way more digestible opponent for Lopez (20-1, 13 KO) than prior bugbears Sandor Martin and Jamaine Ortiz.
Lopez stated, “I’ve at all times wished to combat in South Florida, the place I grew up and developed as a fighter.
“I by no means thought it might occur, however now, on June 29, I get the chance to take action not simply as a world champion, however because the lineal world champion of my division. This has been one in all my targets since turning professional, and I’m motivated to showcase my expertise there in entrance of my Honduran followers and all the Latino group.
“This is sort of a Rocky Balboa story for Steve Claggett. I’m very a lot wanting ahead to what sort of type I’m going to see. There have been no different fighters who have been all for preventing me, and I felt like he would give not simply me, however the followers as nicely, an incredible combat to observe.”
Former WBO featherweight champion Robeisy Ramirez (13-2, 8 KO) returns within the co-feature towards Brandon Lee Benitez (21-2, 9 KO). Ramirez took loads of punishment in final December’s warfare with Rafael Espinoza, however he’s no stranger to shock losses within the professional ranks, so odds are he’ll nonetheless be in good type. The 26-year-old Benitez, for his half, is 7-0 since a 2019 knockout loss to Saul Sanchez and notably edged out former champ Xu Can two years again.
Not a nasty rebound opponent, all issues thought-about.
The opener sees Nico Ali Walsh (9-1, 5 KO) proceed down the comeback path towards Sona Akale (9-1, 4 KO). Akale is 36 and the one victory amongst Cameron Krael’s present 1-11 skid, which ought to let you know one thing about his probabilities.
