‘The Takeover’ Teofimo Lopez will look to retain his WBO World Super Lightweight title on May 2nd, 2025 when he takes on Arnold Barboza Jr.
Lopez will aim to make the third defense of his world title against his rival Barboza, having claimed the belt from Josh Taylor in 2023. The champion would then go on to retain the title against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett.
Despite only being 27 years old at the time of writing, Lopez has significant experience as boasts a 21-1 record. Becoming a champion for the first time at the age of 22, the American fighter proved his skill in impressive fashion.
Teofimo Lopez became a world champion in 2019 aged 22
Making his debut in 2016 aged 19, it would take Lopez just 14 wins to be granted a world title opportunity. The impressive finisher would come up against Ghana’s Richard Commey in December 2019 in an attempt to become world champion.
Commey had a professional record of 29-2 and was looking to make the second defense of the IBF World Lightweight title. However, a young Lopez would spoil the Ghanaian’s plans.
Fighting in Madison Square Garden in December 2019, the pair shared a card with Terence Crawford, who defeated Egidijus Kavaliauskas via TKO.
However, Lopez may have stolen the show in his title-winning performance. Earning his 15th win and 12th knockout, Lopez ended the bout in the second round.
When both men threw a punch at one another, Lopez’s right hand would find the chin of Commey, sending him down. The champion was on unsteady legs as he attempted to to recover, clearly dazed by the shot.
Although Commey would return to the fight, an onslaught from Lopez would summon the referee to stop the bout. Lopez became champion as Commey dropped his world title.
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Teofimo Lopez moved to super lightweight after shock loss to George Kambosos Jr.
Following his title-clenching performance, Lopez would have blockbuster unification bout with Vasiliy Lomachenko. Winning the fight, it would be Lopez’s only defense of the title, as he also claimed the WBA and WBO belts.
Looking to defend his three titles in November 2021, Lopez would suffer a shock loss to George Kambosos Jr.
Following the defeat, Lopez moved to the super lightweight division. In his third fight in the weight class, he defeated Taylor to become champion.
As for Kambosos Jr., he dropped his world titles to Devin Haney in June 2022.