Locking down an opponent has been practically impossible for Teofimo Lopez.
Currently in possession of The Ring’s junior welterweight title, Lopez was initially on the verge of taking on Subriel Matias. But, after deeming him unworthy, Lopez left the negotiating table.
There are a few names that can lure Lopez back. One of them would be Gervonta Davis. Of course, the two aren't close to standing toe-to-toe anytime soon but that didn't stop Lopez from getting excited about a hypothetical matchup.
Although Davis (30-0, 28 KOs) walks around with a sparkling clean record and despite grabbing world titles in three separate weight classes, Lopez is confident Davis’ previous opponents aren’t even close to his level.
“It’s gonna be a great fight,” admitted Lopez to Pro Boxing Fans. “But he’s never faced a fighter like me, never. At all. Never.”
In 2024, Lopez defended his Ring and WBO 140-pound titles against a pair of contenders in Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett. Davis though, had a bit of an inactive schedule. He did put away Frank Martin via eighth stoppage in mid-June but the rest of his schedule was non-existent.
This year figures to be a bit different. On March 1st, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, Davis will return against Lamont Roach. Most expect another routine knockout win. Simply put, that’s what Davis does. He lines you up, figures you out, and eventually, takes you out.
The highlight-reel KO’s are beautiful. Even Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) enjoys watching them but there’s no substance behind those violent finishes. According to Lopez, it’s easy to put someone to sleep when they never deserved to be in the ring with you in the first place.
“I think a lot of people just focus on the knockouts that he does but against who? They’re not seasoned fighters.”