Teofimo López looks to go 2-0 in 2024 when he defends the WBO and Ring magazine super lightweight belts against Steve Claggett on June 29. With a win, “The Takeover” can move on to some potentially massive fights against some of the best in boxing.
Lopez, 26, is traveling to Miami for the first time as a pro. Since beating Josh Taylor for the super lightweight gold last May, the 26-year-old from Brooklyn has notched a stellar points victory over Jamaine Ortiz, who came into that fight as a heavy underdog.
Consequently, Lopez won’t underestimate Claggett, a former NABF super lightweight champion with 26 knockout wins.
“Every fighter has his opening moments. You just have to take your time and watch them. The only time you can really see it is in those moments in live action,” Lopez told The Jugo Mobile. “I know Steve Claggett is a fighter who comes forward and throws a lot of punches. He has great conditioning, and so do I. I know it will be a great performance from both of them. May the best win.
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“I have a lot to gain from this fight. I don’t see it as a loss. I see it as a win-win for everything. “I’m just looking forward to a great performance.”
Lopez has 13 wins by knockout, with his last power-punching victory being a TKO over Pedro Campa in 2022. Prior to that, his previous fight that didn’t go the distance was his IBF lightweight title win over Richard Commey in 2019.
He has given credit to Claggett’s efforts, but is ready to take another step against the Canadian contender.
“My prediction… I’m ready to go 12 rounds if necessary. You can’t really tell what can happen until you’re there. Just with my punch production, my combinations, my positioning punches, I think this fight is not going to last twelve rounds,” Lopez said. “Even though this guy gets ahead, him being who he is, he slows down after the sixth and seventh round. “I’m looking forward to destroying it.”
There is a lot of movement in the super lightweight pision. WBA champion Isaac Cruz will defend his belt for the first time against José Valenzuela on August 3, Liam Paro dethroned Subriel Matías for the IBF title earlier this month, and Alberto Puello was recently promoted to overall champion from the WBC after Devin Haney relinquished the title. We also have Jack Catterall taking on Regis Prograis in the UK on August 24.
LOOK: Teofimo López vs. Steve Claggett, exclusively on ESPN+ in the United States
After a brief retirement, Lopez is ready for all challengers and wants to make up for lost time by fighting multiple times in 2024. Catterall recently called him up and the pision has several top contenders who are eager for a shot at glory. The champion knows his value in boxing, which increased after he beat Vasiliy Lomachenko for lightweight gold in 2020.
“They are going to name the best fighter in their pision and that is Teófimo López,” he said. “We have The Ring Magazine belt, the most prestigious belt in the entire history of boxing. On top of that, we have the OMB. Those things are high praise. I’m the biggest guy they want to face… it’s all a matter of time. [Catterall] He still has unfinished business with Josh Taylor. He’s 1-1 right now. They have to end with a trilogy.
“I think all the fighters in my pision are ‘C’ fighters, C-level fighters. I don’t even think they’re at the ‘B’ level. They are too easy to beat… very [predictable]. You can see the number of shots they are about to take before they take them. It’s definitely predictable. They are great fighters in general. “They show up and are true champions, but not in this class.”
Outside of his pision, Lopez has sought a fight with pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford. The former undisputed welterweight king hasn’t fought since he won all gold at 147 by stopping Errol Spence Jr. last July. “Bud” returns to action in August, moving up in weight to challenge Israil Madrimov for the WBA super welterweight title.
While moving up to welterweight wouldn’t be a big deal for Lopez, the super welterweight pision could be another story. Still, the 140-pound champion hopes that Crawford’s dream fight can become a reality.
“[Crawford is] “The guy is still the king, the guy is still the lineal world champion at 147,” Lopez said. “Until I let that belt go, these are the guys I want to face. [The move to 154] It could be something unique until then. It could be many things. It could be a test for him because I know he wants to face players like Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
“We will see how everything falls apart and we will focus on the most important part: the best fighting the best.”
Until a fight against Crawford or one of the other super lightweight champions can be considered, Lopez must retain against Claggett. He wants to put on a show and highlight his overall ability.
“Teófimo brings entertainment to the sport, so enjoy it while I’m here because you never know when it might In fact Hang it,” Lopez said with a smile.
