Teofimo Lopez: The Return To The Spotlight

By: Sean Crose

Teofimo Lopez is fascinating. At the least he was up till the purpose the place he defeated pound for pound star Vasyl Lomachenko again in 2019. The Lopez of that point might take out a wall, and had the heart and confidence to tackle the very best within the enterprise. There’s nonetheless no denying Lopez’ braveness and willpower, however he’s solely engaged in 4 fights since besting Lomachenko, and surprisingly misplaced considered one of them. Whereas names like Terence Crawford, and Devin Haney have been leaving their marks on the game of boxing, Lopez has – deliberately or not – largely remained on the margins.

After all that every one might change on Thursday night when the 26 yr previous New Yorker squares off in opposition to the proficient Jamaine Ortiz in a Las Vegas protection of his WBO junior welterweight title. The match – which will probably be broadcast reside on ESPN – will pit the 19-1 Lopez in opposition to the 17-1 Ortiz in a scheduled twelve spherical affair. The matchup has the makings for good tv, which is good to know, since fights of this stage are actually steadily – albeit inexplicably – discovering themselves as pay per view occasions. What’s extra, the bout ought to gauge the place the nonetheless younger Lopez is in his profession. Lopez is anticipated to win, however Ortiz isn’t anybody to sleep on.

Certain sufficient the 27 yr previous Worcester native has been defeated solely as soon as himself – and that was by Lomachenko in 2022. (he additionally battled Joseph Adorno to a attract 2021). Though he misplaced to Lopez when the 2 younger males had been amateurs, Ortiz views that defeat as motivation for a grand efficiency on Thursday evening. “I nonetheless have that in my head that he beat me as soon as,” he’s mentioned, “and I’m going to revenge that loss.” Lopez, after all, has different ideas on the matter, although that’s to not say he’s overlooking Ortiz.

“We return like 9 years,” he’s mentioned of his opponent. “We confronted one another within the 2015 Nationwide Golden Glove finale and it was an excellent scrap up…I do know I’m dealing with any individual that positively received the talent set to provide me a run for my cash.” Many would argue that Ortiz is sweet for the game of boxing – they usually’d have a degree. Not solely can he entertain within the ring, the person may present a brashness which attracts consideration. He’ll want brashness when the opening bell rings Thursday evening. A great efficiency is a should if he’s to get the sorts of massive cash/excessive profile fights he desires.

The identical, after all, may very well be mentioned for Ortiz.