Teofimo Lopez proves he's back by outpointing Josh Taylor
Teofimo Lopez asked one of his handlers a question immediately after a so-so performance in a split-decision victory over Sandor Martin in December: “Do I still got it?”
He answered his own question on a bigger stage Saturday night.
Lopez gave arguably the performance of his career at Madison Square Garden Theater in New York, outclassing previously unbeaten Josh Taylor to win a unanimous decision and take Taylor’s WBO 140-pound belt.
The official scores were 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113. Boxing Junkie had it 116-112 for Lopez, eight rounds to four.
TOOK OVER.@TeofimoLopez | #TaylorLopez pic.twitter.com/Tj9tr69pBG
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) June 11, 2023
The 25-year-old from Brooklyn made a familiar query shortly after the decision was announced, although this time he had a wide grin on his face.
“I just have to ask you one thing and one thing only: “Do I still got it?” The crowd reacted by cheering their native son, who has now won a major belt in a second division.
Taylor and Lopez — who now have the same record, 19-1 (13 KOs) — both entered the fight with a lot to prove.
The Scot was coming off a shaky performance against Jack Catterall in February of last year, his first slip-up after a tremendous run to the top of the division.
Lopez made a big splash by upsetting pound-for-pound king and 135-pound champ Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020 but lost his titles to George Kambosos in his first defense and has sputtered since.
Taylor fought in the early rounds Saturday as if he was back to his old self, landing some of the cleanest shots of the fight as the principals sized one another up. His body work was particularly effective.
However, by around the fourth round, Lopez found his rhythm and began to take over. It became clear that he was at least as good as his 32-year-old foe technically but much quicker and more athletic.
Lopez became a sharpshooter by mid-fight, landing fast, eye-catching shots consistently and using his sharp reflexes and ring IQ to avoid taking much in return.
And it just got worse and worse for Taylor as the fight progressed. By the 12th and final round, Lopez was having his way with an elite opponent who was on many pound-for-pound lists only two fights ago.
It was a remarkable performance, one that allows Lopez to regain the status he lost in his setback against Kambosos.
There wasn’t much Taylor could say afterward.
“No excuses,” said Taylor, who indicated he’d probably move up to 147 now. “Listen, the better man won on the night. I fought to the best of my ability. … Congrats to Teofimo. I thought it was a close fight. That 117-111 was way too [wide].
“I would love to do it again. I know I can beat him. He’s the champ, though. The ball is in his court.”
Lopez suddenly has a lot of leverage again. And there are many options.
WBC 140-pound champ Regis Prograis, who lost to Taylor, might be the most-compelling potential opponent. Subriel Matias and Rolando Romero also hold titles. And other elite 140-pounders like Jose Ramirez and Alberto Puello lurk.
Lopez was asked during his post-fight interview what he’d like to do next.
“My next battle is actually in court for my son,” said Lopez, who is separated from his wife. “That’s really my next battle. I’m not really focused on who I’ll fight next.”
Lopez then looked into the camera and said with a smile, “To my son Liam. Daddy loves you so much. I told you, ‘punchies, punchies, punchies.’”
There will be plenty more punchies for Lopez’s rivals later on.