Teofimo Lopez unretires, challenges Devin Haney for the WBO junior welterweight belt

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Teofimo Lopez just came out of retirement.

After initially deciding to hang up his gloves following his dominant victory over Josh Taylor, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight king shocked the whole fight fans last July 14, 2023.

The announcement came after Devin Haney, the current undisputed lightweight champion of the world, requested to set up a fight for the WBO junior welterweight belt upon hearing that Lopez already retired from the sport and vacated his title.

An official update then circulated that Haney will be fighting no. 1 ranked contender Arnold Barboza Jr. for the 140-lb belt, news that Lopez quickly reacted to via his social media account.

“Came out of retirement because the next move was for Devin Haney to fight sorry-a** Arnold Barbaza for my WBO championship title at 140lbs,” Lopez posted.

Haney was quick to respond: “Yo ho* a** never retired in the first place. Let’s see if you really want the smoke. I’m going to be the 140 champ regardless.”

Now it’s up to boxing promotions Top Rank to make the mega-fight happen. Last time, the two pugs already went back-and-forth and were on the verge of negotiations but prize money percentages halted the process.

According to Haney’s camp, Lopez wanted a $20 million share after their fight, a thing that Top Rank failed to assure.

Haney is coming off a huge payday after a controversial win against Vasiliy Lomachenko several months ago and is eager to extend his streak of undefeated professional fights to 31 victories.

“Let’s make the fight happen so the world can see who is about that action. And no, you will not be on the A-side. I hold the king title of the division as well, so don’t run away!” Lopez added.

Will the boxing world witness a mega-fight between Lopez and Haney? Or will it end in another contract dispute downfall?

Top Rank, it’s in your hands.