Just two years ago, the notion of a clash between Josh Taylor, at that time the undisputed champion in the junior welterweight division, and Teofimo Lopez, then the unified champion in the lightweight division, would have caused a stir in the boxing community.
The two fighters now face off on Saturday night with only one world title at stake, and both of them have seen their reputations decline after recent performances.
Teofimo Lopez vs Josh Taylor feud
— EverythingBoxing (@EverythingBoxi2) June 9, 2023
Taylor (19-0, 13 KO) will defend his WBO junior welterweight championship when they meet at the Hulu Theater in Madison Square Garden, New York City.
He has relinquished or been stripped of the three other world titles he previously held due to his refusal to defend them against mandatory challengers, all following a disastrous bout against Jack Catterall in February 2022.
Tomorrow, Teofimo will go head-to-head with Scotland’s undefeated Taylor, who risks his WBO super lightweight title in downtown Manhattan. This showdown has been long-awaited, as Lopez has been eyeing the former undisputed champion for the past couple of years. Finally, this weekend, his wish will come true.
Unlike Taylor, Teofimo cannot boast an unblemished record from his 19 fights. He was defeated by George Kambosos Jr at the Garden in November 2021, six months after his opponent’s outstanding performance in Las Vegas, where he became the undisputed champion.
Fans Concerned for Teofimo Lopez’s mental health
Since the Kambosos fight, Lopez’s behavior has become increasingly peculiar, dealing with lackluster performances in the ring and encountering volatile situations involving his family and wife.
Taylor has been attempting to get under Teofimo’s skin leading up to the fight, walking out on interviews and making subtle jabs, while Lopez has unapologetically expressed his desire to defeat Taylor in the ring, a sensitive subject in the boxing world where the risk of death is always present.
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The concern for the boxing public should be focused not only on whether Teofimo has what it takes to defeat Taylor, but also on the exact state of his mental well-being, especially considering that just two years ago, he openly admitted to seriously contemplating suicide prior to his loss against Kambosos.
With their contrasting personalities and the need for redemption inside the ring for both immensely talented fighters, Saturday night promises to deliver a captivating fight that will provide valuable insights into the current standing of both men in the sport.
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