Teofimo Lopez Jr. is increasingly focusing on a high-stakes showdown with Terence “Bud” Crawford, according to his father and trainer, Teofimo Lopez Sr. With Crawford currently inactive and a rematch against Errol Spence Jr. not materializing, Lopez Jr., the 140-pound WBO champion, could use his “super champion” status to challenge the undisputed welterweight champion Crawford. The WBO rules support such a move, allowing a super champion to become a mandatory challenger in the division above.
The potential clash between Lopez and Crawford has become a topic of intense speculation following Lopez’s recent victory over Jamaine Ortiz. Crawford, present at the event, dismissed Lopez’s performance, suggesting he needed to “go back to the drawing board.” Lopez Jr., unfazed, challenged Crawford to a fight between 147 and 154 pounds, asserting that Crawford would want to avoid facing him.
Lopez Sr. has now escalated the rhetoric, expressing confidence in his son’s ability to dethrone Crawford. In an interview with Punsh Drunk Boxing, Lopez Sr. stated, “I don’t think Crawford wants anything to do with my son. His career is going to be over. That’s how he feels. My son destroying him. [Crawford] thinks he’s King Kong. Him losing to my son would be a disgrace.”
Lopez Sr. further likened Crawford's potential defeat to a psychological trauma, comparing it to the haunting memories of war. He emphasized his son's fearless approach to boxing, always seeking to challenge the top fighters in the sport. While Crawford has expressed interest in moving up three weight divisions to fight Canelo Alvarez, Lopez Jr. is content with stepping up just one division to secure a fight with Crawford.
Image Credit: Sky Sports