Teofimo Lopez Jr. defended his WBO junior welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Steve Clagett on Saturday night in Miami.
While many expected a stoppage victory for Lopez, the tenacious Canadian challenger Claggett fought to 12 rounds for the first time in his career, winning just one round on three scorecards while Lopez landed a career-high 315 punches.
“It was a great match. Today it wasn't about technique, it was about will and strength,” Lopez said in the post-match press conference.
“I knew what type of guy I was facing. He's a triathlete and was in great condition. I'd never fought 12 rounds before so I knew I had to beat him, which is a blessing for me as I have asthma.”
“I like tough fights. Tough fights bring out the best in me. I don't care what my face looks like. I don't care. It's a fight. I'm 26 years old. I'm still learning in this game, but I love it.”
“I don't care what I look like. I just want to get my hand raised at the end. This is what I really needed.” [Top Rank founder] Bob [Arum] “Well done,” he said. He didn't look too pleased. “Don't worry about it. I'm your last star and that's it. You have to accept it. I'm the best. Forget about the rest.”
Lopez is currently 5-0 at 140 pounds but has yet to win by stoppage in any of his bouts.
The 140-pound division will feature Devin Haney, Isaac Cruz, Liam Paro, Jose Ramirez, Jack Catterall, Regis Prograis, Alberto Puelo, Gary Antuan Russell, Rolando “Rolee” Romero, Richardson Hitchens, Sandor Martin, Dalton Smith and former undefeated champion Josh Taylor, who was defeated by Lopez last year.
In addition to fights against lightweight Gervonta “Tank” Davis and welterweight Terence Crawford from this group, Lopez would like to face WBA champion “Pit Bull” Cruz next.
“I'm there, Tank, either way. They've never fought a fighter like this. [Claggett] “It's been a long time,” Lopez said.
“Yes, I'm ready. [Cruz]I'm excited. Now I know how to fight these fighters better. There's no one who fights like Steve Claggett. The only other fighter who fights even remotely like him is Pitbull Cruz. Other than that, there's no one who fights like that. They're all boxing.”
Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter. He is also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the Mixed Martial Arts Journalists Association. He can be reached at @ManoukAkopyan on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube, or by email at manouk.[dot]Acopian[at]You can contact us at gmail.com or www.ManoukAkopyan.com
