Two-weight world champion Teofimo Lopez is set to make the second defence of WBO Super-Lightweight World title on June 29, but he already has eyes on a third division.
‘The Takeover’ lost his unified belts at lightweight in an upset against George Kambosos Jr but has since found a new lease of life at 140 which culminated in an impressive performance to hand previously undisputed champion Josh Taylor his first loss.
Now, the 26-year-old has revealed that he’s keen for another move up, this time to face pound-for-pound star Terence Crawford. He discussed the plan with Morning Kombat.
“My main goal at this moment is to have that triple crown. That triple crown for me is Terence Crawford. A lot of people laugh at that, a lot of people say you’re not ready, but they said the same thing for me with Josh Taylor. They also said the same thing for Vasily Lomachenko and for Richard Commey. Look how those outcomes came out.
I’m just someone that likes to face the best. Terence Crawford is one of the best fighters in the world, till this day, and I know that. That’s the type of person I want to face. The guy has every type of style that you could really adapt to, and I want to test my limits there.”
Crawford has begun his ascent to the higher weight classes and seems to be done with 147 following his historic four-belt win over Errol Spence Jr last year.
He faces Israil Madrimov on August 3 for two super-welterweight belts and has made it clear he wants to go as high as 168 to face Saul ‘Canelo‘ Alvarez. Not keen on missing his opportunity, Lopez said he would meet him at 154 if need be.
“It’s his first fight at 154. He’s moving up slowly but surely so he can get that mega fight cheque with Saul Canelo Alvarez. It’s part of his route and his way of trying to leave the game on top, which I respect him for.
However you’ve got guys here closer to your weight division that are willing to fight you. I believe this is Duran and Leonard 2.0. Teofimo-Crawford will be that. Why not give the people what they really wanna see? And we’re much close in weight classes … I believe that 54 I can make for Crawford. I’ll give him the upper hand.”
Lopez then predicted ‘Bud’ would become a four-weight world champion against Madrimov, but did say it was a tough fight.
“I believe Crawford is gonna do what he has to do. I believe he may stop the guy with a body shot, but this guy is no slouch as well.”
Lopez faces Steve Claggett this month at the James L. Knight Center, Miami Beach.
