Teofimo Lopez lost his super-lightweight world title to Shakur Stevenson this past weekend in New York, unable to match the challenger in any department.
It leaves fans wondering what’s next for the 28-year-old, who has marquee wins over Vasily Lomachenko and Josh Taylor but has also had poor main event showings against the likes of Sandor Martin and in his only other previous loss to George Kambosos Jr.
With plenty left to give in the sport, there should be no calls for retirement, and Brooklyn native has now announced, via Instagram Stories, that he will be moving up to the welterweight ranks. This comes after no visible struggles making the 140 super-lightweight limit, and perhaps just a drive for fresh opportunities of big fights.
Waiting for him there are world champions Devin Haney, Lewis Crocker, Rolando Romero and Mario Barrios. Ryan Garcia will challenge Barrios for the WBC belt this month, and Benn may look to challenge the winner or Romero.
Interestingly, though perhaps not for Lopez, Stevenson is also considering a move up. Following his win, he called out and faced off with Benn, expressing supreme confidence in moving up to 147 and beating the bigger man. The fight, however, looks unlikely to happen given Stevenson is insisting on a 10lbs rehydration clause that the Brit has refused.
Lopez will likely take some time before announcing his next move in a more solid fashion.
