WBO gives Lopez 24 hours to make career decision

WBO gave the boxer Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) 24 hours to make a career decision.

The World Boxing Organization is expecting an official letter from Lopez within the next 24 hours. Theo has two options – officially refusing to defend the belt or agreeing to defend the title.

In case of refusal, the WBO intends to hold a duel for the vacant super lightweight championship belt between undefeated American Arnold Barboza (28-0, 10 KOs) and former world champion Jose Ramirez (28-1, 18 KOs).

Also, the undisputed world lightweight champion Devin Haney can claim the WBO title, in case of Lopez’s refusal. Recently, the American received the status of super champion from the WBO, which makes it possible to claim the title of a division higher in the status of a mandatory challenger.

Devin is also obliged within 24 hours to provide a written response to the consent to fight. In this case, Barbosa will become his opponent. If the WBO holds a fight between Ramirez and Barboza, Haney will be able to fight the winner of the fight.

Lopez announced that he was ending his boxing career and was relinquishing his championship title. The American believes that he deserves more money for his fights.

At the same time, Teofimo later said that he would want to return to boxing only if he received a contract with a large fee.

In the last fight, Lopez defeated Briton Josh Taylor. Following the results of 12 rounds, the judges unanimously awarded the victory to the American – 115:113, 115:113 117:111.

Teofimo won his third victory in a row. The American won the belt in the first middleweight for the first time, he was previously the undisputed world champion in lightweight.