Highly-rated trainer Robert Garcia has shared his thoughts on whether Teofimo Lopez should walk away from his father after his recent defeat to Shakur Stevenson.
Former WBO super-lightweight champion Lopez was outclassed by Stevenson at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City last weekend, suffering the second defeat of his professional career in the process.
‘The Takeover’ struggled to match the output that had been set by his countryman and won just a single round on each of the judges scorecards on the night.
The 28-year-old from Brooklyn has been trained by his father, Teofimo Sr, since making his professional debut back in 2016, although many believe that the relationship between the duo has now run its course.
Speaking to ESNEWS, Robert Garcia shared his verdict on the current situation between Lopez and his father as he claims the defeat to Stevenson will be a ‘learning experience’.
“Everybody was happy when he beat Loma. What a great fu**ing teamwork, dad and son, that s**t works. Then his performance against Josh Taylor, fu**ing sensational, fu**ing epic you know, great job. you know Junior, great job Teofimo Sr and Jr whatever.
“Do you remember Derrick James with Spence against Crawford? Derrick James got a little lost too because he’d never been there, he’d never experienced those kinds of losses where you haven’t won one single round. So they get a little frustrated, a little lost. It happens, learning experience for Junior.”
Garcia was then asked if he believes Lopez should look to change his trainer and end his long-term partnership with his father.
“What for? They’ve already done so much and they’ve accomplished so much. Nobody said anything when he beat Josh Taylor, everybody said what a great job they’re doing together.”
Lopez is expected to take an period away from the sport before he decides to make a return and bounce back from the disappointing defeat that he suffered to Stevenson.
