In an attempt to regain relevance in the boxing world, Teofimo Lopez recently issued a call out to prominent fighter Gervonta “Tank” Davis during the media coverage of the Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga weigh-in event. Lopez expressed his desire to face Davis, stating, “He ain’t fighting, and I ain’t fighting. I’m ready.” This assertion, however, reveals more about Lopez’s current standing in the sport than it does about any genuine prospects of a matchup.
The urgency in Lopez’s remarks signals a fighter eager to reclaim his status in a highly competitive division. Unfortunately, this desperate plea reflects the significant gap between where Lopez currently stands and the positions occupied by elite fighters like Davis. With Davis poised to engage in more lucrative and strategically viable bouts, Lopez’s call out seems less like a calculated challenge and more like a plea for attention.
Lopez’s decline since his exhilarating victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020 has been striking. Following that monumental win, which many viewed as the pinnacle of his career, his trajectory has taken a nosedive marked by unexpected defeats and lackluster performances. Losses such as the one to George Kambosos Jr. and narrow decisions against opponents like Jamaine Ortiz and Sandor Martin have left observers questioning his capabilities in the ring.
Over the past two fights, where Lopez struggled to make the 140-pound limit, the physical and mental toll on him has become evident. The anxiety surrounding his fitness and performance levels was palpable as he battled through unconvincing displays, further solidifying the notion that he may not belong among the elite anymore. His struggle to shed weight and maintain form raises serious concerns about whether he can compete effectively in the light welterweight category.
In his bid for relevance, Lopez also mentioned aspiring matchups with Ryan Garcia and Terence Crawford, two fighters who are arguably well beyond his current stature. While pursuing high-profile bouts is within a fighter’s rights, the surface-level understanding of boxing dynamics suggests these fighters also have their sights set on other, more attractive contests.
Interestingly, Lopez neglected to acknowledge WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr., who has publicly expressed willingness to fight him. This omission raises eyebrows about Lopez’s strategy; rather than seeking out and capitalizing on attainable bouts with credible opponents within his weight class, he seems to be shooting for names that may provide more fame than actual probability of success.
As Gervonta Davis prepares for his next fight—potentially against the likes of Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela, who has been making waves in the light welterweight scene—lofty challengers like Lopez must realign their expectations with a grounding in reality. Instead of lingering in the shadows of big names and wrapping himself in the desperation of unreciprocated challenges, Lopez would be better served by pursuing fights with competitive peers in his division.
By focusing on building his brand through challenging, winnable matchups, Lopez may yet find a path back to prominence. The boxing landscape is ever-evolving, and while the spotlight may flicker, there are always opportunities for fighters willing to reclaim their footing on solid ground.