Teofimo Lopez could soon be ordered to face his mandatory challenger after dethroning Rolando Romero with a majority decision victory last weekend.
While the scorecards would suggest otherwise, many considered Lopez a clear winner against ‘Rolly’, who was making a first defence of his WBA welterweight title.
Besides round five, when he was seriously hurt by a Romero right hand, ‘The Takeover’ remained in control for the vast majority of their contest.
As such, he became a three-division world champion in his first outing at 147lbs, despite coming off a wide unanimous decision defeat to Shakur Stevenson in January.
But while Lopez has expressed an interest in unification matches, against the likes of Devin Haney and winner of Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn, he may need to pump the breaks and accommodate a mandatory obligation.
This is because Jack Catterall, who claimed the WBA ‘regular’ strap against Shakhram Giyasov in May, is due to secure his shot at the full world title by November 19.
Taking to social media on Sunday, the British welterweight offered a reminder of his position.
“I understand the politics of boxing better than most. Rolly had a voluntary [defence], now it’s time for my shot! No ducks, no more swerving. Me v Teo next.”
180 days @WBABoxing which means November ✅ I understand the politics of boxing better than most. Rolly had a voluntary now it’s time for my shot ! No ducks no more swerving. Me v teo next https://t.co/zEIX6GTggc
— Jack Catterall (@jack_catt93) August 23, 2026
The WBA did, indeed, offer Romero a grace period to face Lopez, but only under the condition that its champion would need to make a mandatory title defence within 180 days after Catterall’s clash with Giyasov.
In theory, then, Lopez’ next fight must take place against Catterall, yet it remains to be seen whether the WBA will uphold its own ruling.
