After much confusion regarding legalities, Teofimo Lopez has been ordered to defend his WBA welterweight title against his mandatory challenger, but it seems as though the champion is now considering relinquishing his belt in order to avoid the fight.
Rolando Romero was ordered to defend his WBA belt against Jack Catterall earlier this year, but instead agreed to a voluntary defence of the belt against Lopez, with Catterall positioned to challenge the victor for the world title in the fight that followed.
Lopez came out on top, but was immediately linked to a title unification with WBC champion Ryan Garcia; a route which many believed would supersede a scrap with Catterall – despite the Chorley-born contender’s long wait.
Although, the WBA have now confirmed that Lopez must defend his belt against Catterall in his next contest in order to avoid being stripped of the title; thus putting his lucrative unification showdown – touted for May – with Garcia at risk.
On X, esteemed boxing journalist Dan Rafael revealed that ‘The Takeover’ is now considering whether he should vacate his belt and proceed with the Garcia fight as a challenger for the WBC strap, rather than as a fellow 147lb world champion.
NEWS: Teofimo Lopez team says 3 weeks ago Gilberto Mendoza personally assured them the Catterall fight wouldn't be ordered & Lopez could pursue a bigger fight. He'll meet with his managers, Keith Connolly & Mike Borao, & legal team to decide if he wants to allow the WBA to be…
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) September 22, 2026
“NEWS: Teofimo Lopez team says 3 weeks ago Gilberto Mendoza personally assured them the Catterall fight wouldn’t be ordered & Teofimo could pursue a bigger fight. He’ll meet with his managers, Keith Connolly & Mike Borao, & legal team to decide if he wants to allow the WBA to be part of his future plans. #boxing.”
Should Lopez vacate the belt, it is expected that Catterall would be elevated to full WBA (Super) welterweight world champion and mandated to take on Mexico’s Raul Curiel, rated as the WBA #1 contender, in a first title defence.
Meanwhile, if Lopez agrees to take on Catterall, the bout could take place on the Tyson Fury vs. Anthony Joshua undercard.
