Teofimo Lopez came full circle on June 10 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The Brooklyn fighter became an overnight sensation when he outpointed Vasiliy Lomachenko to become undisputed 135-pound champion in October 2020, lost his titles to George Kambosos in his first defense and revealed that he suffered from mental challenges. It appeared he might never bounce back.
Then, after an inspiring decision over Sandor Martin last December, he was gifted a shot at Josh Taylor’s 140-pound title in Lopez’s backyard.
The oddsmakers made the unbeaten Taylor the favorite but Lopez made them and all his doubters look like fools, not just defeating the Scottish star by a clear unanimous decision but outclassing him.
Taylor, coming off a so-so performance against Jack Catterall, fought in the early rounds as if he was back to his old self, landing some of the cleanest shots of the fight as the principals sized one another up. His body work was particularly effective.
However, by around the fourth round, Lopez found his rhythm and began to take over. It became clear that he was at least as good as his 32-year-old foe technically but much quicker and more athletic.
Lopez became a sharpshooter by mid-fight, landing fast, eye-catching shots consistently and using his sharp reflexes and ring IQ to avoid taking much in return.
And it just got worse and worse for Taylor as the fight progressed. By the 12th and final round, Lopez was having his way with an elite opponent who was on many pound-for-pound lists only two fights ago.
The fact all three judges scored the fight in Lopez’s favor (117-111, 115-113 and 115-113) wasn’t surprising. Boxing Junkie had it 116-112 for Lopez, eight rounds to four.
As a result, Lopez regained a major world title and the respect he lost after his victory over Lomachenko, making him an easy choice as Boxing Junkie Fighter of the Month for June.
“I just have to ask you one thing and one thing only: “Do I still got it?” he asked the hometown crowd after his victory.
Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) certainly does.
And he wasn’t finished providing surprises. Shortly after his pivotal victory he announced his retirement at 25 years old. Of course, few fighters who “retire’ in their mid-20s stay away for long. We expect to see Lopez back in the ring soon.
However, in the off chance that he never fights again, he certainly will have gone on a high note.
