Teofimo Lopez Sr. has labeled 140-pounder Devin Haney as a “fake” and insignificant. Lopez Sr. asserted that his son, WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Jr. (19-1, 13 KOs), is the top fighter in the division, underscoring his victory over undefeated Josh Taylor last June as a testament to his status as one of the division’s elite fighters. He believes that his son should be recognized as the undisputed champion.
However, Lopez Sr.’s assertions have been met with skepticism due to the following reasons:
- inactivity
- lack of social media presence
- underwhelming opposition
Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney are frequently discussed at 140 due to their proactive approach, including interviews and social media engagement, which Teofimo neglected. In this sport, actively promoting oneself on social media is crucial for garnering fan attention, an area where Teofimo falls short, in addition to his inactivity and weak competition.
Teofimo’s issue lies in his tendency to fade into obscurity between fights. Following his triumph over Vasily Lomachenko in 2020, his popularity dwindled significantly as he rested on his laurels, with minimal engagement and presence.
Most Americans are unfamiliar with him, rendering his victory over Josh Taylor less impactful. Furthermore, his loss to Jack Catterall in his previous bout, followed by a contentious decision win in Scotland, has further diminished his standing.
Lopez Sr.’s Son Claims Top Spot
“The individual at 140 is Teofimo Lopez,” Lopez Sr. declared. J. Calderon’s Boxing Talk.
“We defeated the lineal champion and secured the lineal belt. We vanquished Josh Taylor. My son reigns as the premier figure at 140, and these individuals are the cream of the crop at 140. All the falsehoods being spread are just that: falsehoods.
“Josh Taylor never dethroned anyone, so my son has no equal. Silence yourself, you are the paramount figure in this division. My son stands atop the 140-pound category. One,” Lopez Sr. affirmed Teofimo’s supremacy in the light welterweight division.
“That individual fought the most unchallenging adversary in the 140-pound weight class,” Lopez Sr. critiqued Devin Haney’s triumph over Regis Prograis for the WBC light welterweight title last December. .
“The sole reason he faced [Haney] that case was because Prograis was ailing in his previous bout. [against Danielito Zorrilla last June]. He even succumbed to an obscure opponent,” Lopez Sr. commented.
“Thus, they [Team Haney] deserve credit for obtaining that belt [WBC 140-lb]. It may appear significant, but the sole individual he must conquer to assert superiority is Teofimo Lopez. Approach and do so. The preparations are complete. The most significant bout in the category at present is any involving Teofimo Lopez.”
“I disregard him. He holds no significance.” When asked about a potential Teofimo-Haney bout in 2024, Lopez Sr. remarked: he’s a phony. I abhor pretentious individuals who habitually fabricate lies.
“Authenticity is essential in this sport, and I affirm without hesitation, Devin Haney is a forgery,” Lopez Sr. concluded.
