Teofimo Lopez Eyes Move To Welterweight Division

WBO champion considering transition to 147 pounds amidst career ambitions

Teofimo Lopez Jr.’s time as a junior welterweight seems to be coming to an end / TEOFIMO LOPEX ON INSTAGRAM.

B y Moses Ochieng

Lopez, the WBO champion at 140 pounds, announced on Saturday that he might soon be taking his "Takeover" mantra to the welterweight division.

“147 is something that I plan on moving toward, probably even in this next upcoming match. Listen, I believe what really sounds swell is 'Teofimo Lopez, three-division world champion at 27 years young.' I'm all about that,” Lopez said to the press.

Over the past year, Lopez (21-0, 13 KOs), has frequently suggested he might retire, but the 26-year-old New Yorker clarified that these statements were merely a publicity stunt.

“I remember I [previously] expressed that 'I don't want to do this anymore. I don't need to.' I felt that I had accomplished everything. I lost a little fire at that moment [talking about retirement], especially after coming off the phenomenal win against Josh Taylor. I still have the hunger for the game. I still have the love for the sport and that's the main and important part,” stated Lopez.

Lopez recently secured a unanimous decision victory over Steve Clagget on June 29. This bout was his fifth as a junior welterweight since 2022, with his last four fights all going the distance.

“I believe I still have the power. I'm still maturing as time goes as far as power. It's more so of IQ and EQ when you're in the ring. That's really where I am trying to progress now. I've allowed [Hall of Fame Top Rank] matchmakers [Bruce Trampler and Brad Goodman] to make my career,” he added.

Norman (26-0, 20 KOs), also promoted by Top Rank, recently achieved a 10-round demolition and stoppage victory over Giovani Santillan.

With Top Rank's roster at 147 pounds being weak, Lopez would be a logical opponent, especially once the WBO fully elevates Norman to the full title, a position currently held by Terence Crawford, who is moving up to 154 pounds.

As the current 140-pound WBO titlist, Lopez can move up to 147 pounds and immediately challenge for the title according to the sanctioning body’s rules.