Teofimo Lopez’s boxing career has seen him become a unified champion at lightweight, as well as a title holder at super lightweight.
‘The Takeover’ has impressive wins on his resume such as recently retired Josh Taylor and Vasiliy Lomachenko, despite still being just 27 years old.
Although a huge fight with Devin Haney fell through for Lopez, there are likely still headline bouts in the future of the champion.
It is currently unclear who Lopez may face next, but there is one boxer who is open to the challenge of the champion.
Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty ImagesEmiliano Vargas open to facing former sparring partner Teofimo Lopez
One of the super lightweight division’s brightest rising stars is 21-year-old Emiliano Vargas. With a 15-0 record, 13 of his wins have come by way of knockout.
Vargas last competed on Saturday night, as he was able to score a 42-second knockout over Alexander Espinoza in New York.
The knockout was Vargas’s 15th win in just three years as a professional, as he is quickly ascending the super lightweight division. However, should he want to be a world champion in the division, he may have to face former training partner Lopez.
Despite having a good relationship, a fight with Lopez is not something Vargas would turn down.
In an interview with Fight Hub TV after his first round knockout, Vargas was asked about a fight with Lopez. The fighter answered, “At the end of the day, Teo is an amazing fighter. I respect him a lot. Whether he stays at 140 lbs [or not], that’s on him. I have a great relationship with him.”
‘El General’ added, “It’s just business at the end of the day, you know?”
Although Vargas reiterated his respect and admiration for Lopez, he believes he is a part of a new generation of stars in the sport.
The 21-year-old confirmed he would ‘never say never’ to a fight with Lopez, but respects the champion “120%.”
Teofimo Lopez is currently riding a six-fight winning streak following shock loss
Since Lopez had a shock loss to George Kambosos Jr. in 2021, the fighter has been in impressive form.
Fighting six times in the last three years, Lopez has been able to get the better of every single opponent he has faced.
His only stoppage victory in this run was against Pedro Campa, in a bout where no world title was on the line. Lopez then followed this win with a split decision victory over Sandor Martin.
Lopez became a two-weight world champion with a win over Taylor in 2023, improving his record to 19-1. Then, he would successfully defend his WBO World Welterweight title against Jamaine Ortiz, Steve Claggert, and Arnold Barboza Jr.