Super lightweight contender Jack Catterall will seek a world title shot against WBO champion Teofimo Lopez after gaining revenge against Josh Taylor on Saturday night in a non-title grudge match.
“The world title has always been the dream for me,” said Catterall. “We didn’t get the undisputed and we didn’t get the world titles last time. But that’s fine because that chapter has been rewritten now. We’re in a great position and Eddie [Hearn] has a massive stable at 140 so I want that world title fight.
“I was mandatory for the WBO title for what felt like a lifetime. [Teofimo Lopez] beat Taylor before I did. We’ve both had a win over him and now I want to prove that I’m better than him. I believe I’ve got the style to beat Lopez and that’s the fight I want.
“It’s time to share the ring with you [Teofimo Lopez]. Let’s see who the true champion is.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn added, “Teofimo Lopez is fighting Steve Claggett – and, without being disrespectful to Steve Claggett, it is a disgrace. It’s a joke fight for someone who says he’s the best 140lb in the world. Jack Catterall is the guy who should be fighting Teofimo Lopez, and we believe he will beat him all day long.”
Lopez needs to get exposed,I want to see this fight,will Lopez take the fight, I doubt it
Lopez will fight anyone. I mean who the hell would want to face Sandor Martin? Worst style that will make you look bad. I’ve never seen Lopez shy away from a fight. If he was willing to fight that guy, he will fight Catteral no doubt
I don’t think Lopez realized how good martin was and took him for granted. The same way he took Pedro campa, Ortiz, and kambosos. Lopez fighting claggett tells you all you need to know about Lopez right now.
Didn’t I see Sandor Martin knock down Lopez several times? Yeah, that’s a bad style match up for Teo. Sure, Teo will say he will fight anybody, but Bob will protect him from now on. No way He lets Teo near Catterall.
“Lopez will fight anyone” until its time to fight. After he got on the map for beating Lomachenko he’s been flakey about taking big fights.
I think you’ll get the fight either late this year of the beginning of next year. However, it’s not going to be as some believe. Catterall is tailor made for Teofimo Lopez.
Catteral in 2!
Lopez not ducking anyone. I would love to see this fight! Lopez will outclass Catterall
Catterall is a super-skilled boxer and he should give Teo fits. I would like to see some ‘killer instinct’ from Jack as he had Taylor hurt on a couple of occasions but did not capitalise. Lopez has been inconsistent of late and if he has an off night against Catterall he will definitely lose.
IMO against Kambosos Lopez was overconfident and did not fight up to his level he fought down to Kambosos level. However against Martin and Ortiz I think he was exposed to having a weakness against movers. The great Duran was known to have this weakness as well. No shame in it but I think Catterall also has the style that Lopez will struggle with. It would not surprise me if Top Rank tries to keep Lopez away from this fight. Perhaps this is the reason behind Arum’s post fight comments.
I think you hit the nail on the head there.
bob arum will not allow the fight with catterall and lopez wont exactly jump at it either unless caterall is injured or weight drained. this is the history of arum and lopez.
unfortunately in boxing , fanaticism and money are “louder ” than facts or common sense often .
I was at Teo’s last fight vs. Ortiz. It was easily the most boring main event I’ve ever attended! Teo couldn’t cut the ring off and Ortiz boxed circles around him. Jack will put Teo on his back!