WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez has made a shock claim ahead of the controversial bout between Gervonta Davis and Jake Paul.
Reigning WBA lightweight champion Davis is set to face ‘The Problem Child’ in a ten round exhibition clash at the Kaseya Center in Miami on Friday November 14, the latest high-profile boxing event to be shown live on Netflix.
It was revealed by Most Valuable Promotions CEO Nakisa Bidarian at a press conference last month that the bout would have a maximum weight limit of 195lbs in place for both fighters, a decision that has sparked frustration amongst the boxing community.
Davis’ last ring appearance came back in March when he fought to a majority decision draw against countryman Lamont Roach Jr, although it has been argued by some fans that ‘Tank’ should have been handed the first loss of his professional career.
As for Paul, the 28-year-old from Cleveland made his return to the ring back in June, defeating Mexico’s former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr via unanimous decision in Anaheim, California.
One man that Davis has been linked to over the years is Lopez, the current WBO champion who was also a unified world champion at 135lbs.
Speaking to K.O. Artist Sports, Lopez shared his thoughts on the impending showdown between Davis and Paul, claiming that a loss for Davis would not actually have a negative impact on his legacy.
“Tank [vs] Jake, less than a month away, may the best man lose … Not at all, no [It doesn’t impact his legacy], it’ll just impact his bank account.”
In an announcement made by ‘Tank’ earlier this year, the 30-year-old revealed that he has plans to retire from boxing before the end of 2025, although he is expected to make a final decision on his future after he faces Paul in a matter of weeks.
Despite Lopez’s feelings on the matter, the majority of fans are likely to disagree that defeat, despite the gulf in size, would damage Davis’ legacy. In fact, many already feel taking the fight has done so.
