Teofimo Lopez dropped a bombshell on Monday by officially announcing his retirement from professional boxing. The 25-year-old rising star, who recently claimed the WBO light welterweight championship after defeating Josh Taylor.
He made it clear that he has no interest in facing Devin Haney or seeking revenge against George Kambosos Jr., the man who handed him his first career loss.
Lopez expressed his desire to focus on matters outside of the boxing ring, stating that there are personal goals and aspirations he wishes to pursue beyond the sport. He emphasized that he cannot fully commit to these endeavors if he is constantly engrossed in training and competition.
Why did Teofimo Lopez retire?
During a separate interview, Teofimo mentioned that the only circumstance that would entice him back into the ring is if his promoters were able to secure a staggering “9-figure” contract for him.
However, he acknowledged that such a deal is highly unlikely given that he is not invincible. Top Rank, his promotional company, would be reluctant to invest over $100 million in a fighter who could potentially face defeat when matched against top-tier opponents at the 140-pound division.
The promotional landscape would become challenging for Top Rank if they were forced to continually find weaker opposition or faded fighters, like Josh Taylor, to keep Teofimo on the winning side.
It is evident that financial considerations and the risks associated with matching him against elite-level competition play a significant role in Lopez’s retirement decision.
Speculation has arisen among boxing enthusiasts, suggesting that Teofimo Lopez’s decision to retire stems from a lack of confidence in his ability to overcome formidable opponents at the 140-pound division. Such as Devin Haney, Regis Prograis, Jose Ramirez, Subriel Matias, and Gary Antuanne Russell.
What does Teofimo Lopez plan to do next?
Teofimo expressed discontent over his earnings from his recent bout against Josh Taylor, claiming he only received a $1 million purse.
However, ESPN’s Mike Coppinger countered this statement, revealing that Lopez’s actual purse for the fight was $2.3 million. An amount that is considered substantial. Especially considering the controversial outcome of his previous match against Sandor Martin in December.
With an estimated net worth of $5 million, Teofimo has amassed sufficient wealth to sustain his retirement, barring any significant financial losses in a potential divorce settlement.
Despite the retirement announcement, insiders close to Lopez, as shared by Coppinger, suggest that he may eventually return to the ring. Given his young age of 25. The talented boxer is likely to receive lucrative offers for high-profile fights against the likes of Haney and Ryan Garcia in the future. Indicating a possible comeback in the sport.
What are your thoughts regarding this? Let us know in the comment section below.
