“It’s time to get rid of him,” McCoy said on Inside the Ring. “It’s one thing where your dad supports you, and he’s done all these great things for your career. But at some point, if you’re my father and you really love me, give me up to somebody that’s going to really manage me in the right way.”
McCoy questioned what Lopez Sr. offered between rounds beyond emotional outbursts. Asking a bloodied fighter where his power had gone provided no solution for Shakur’s speed, ring generalship, or counterpunching.
Max Kellerman took a less drastic position. He believes Teofimo used their recent public conversation to demand accountability from his father because he struggles to have that discussion behind closed doors. Lopez Sr. resisted accepting blame, even as his son explained that tactical guidance was missing in the corner.
Kellerman suggested bringing in a trainer such as Virgil Hunter to run camp while Lopez Sr. remains involved. Teofimo would retain his father’s support while receiving stronger technical instruction from another voice.
Gabe Rosado defended the corner, arguing that Teofimo may struggle without his father beside him. Lopez Sr. guided him to major wins over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, proving the partnership has worked at the highest level.
Past victories do not guarantee future success. Shakur exposed strategic flaws that raw power cannot fix. Teofimo needs a corner capable of adapting when pure athletic ability falls short.
Rolly Romero may give Lopez a more accommodating target Saturday, but an easier matchup will not resolve the underlying issue. If Lopez Sr. remains the lead voice, he must prove he can provide real answers whenever an elite opponent neutralizes his son.
