WBO world super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez has received a slap on the wrist – if that – for his disgraceful comments and actions.
The 27-year-old was widely accused of racism towards the end of last year, yet only now has his behaviour been formally addressed behind the scenes.
In a controversial interview with Broadway Joel, ‘The Takeover’ was asked whether he would prefer to face Terence Crawford or Gervonta Davis.
Rather shockingly, Lopez, 22-1 (13 KOs), then responded by saying, “whichever monkey wants to get the banana.”
From there, the American only began to dig himself an even deeper hole, as it was not long before an equally distasteful story reared its ugly head.
This time around, it was WBO world lightweight champion Keyshawn Davis who, just a few days before dethroning Denys Berinchyk, was confronted with an act of racism.
But instead of being subjected to verbal abuse, an anonymous parcel – containing bananas and a watermelon – was sent to the 26-year-old’s hotel room.
At first, Davis believed that his opponent was responsible for the delivery, only for Lopez to emerge as the likely culprit soon after.
It was a video he posted on social media, in fact, that saw the former lightweight king react to the incident while eating a banana.
As a result, WBO president Gustavo Olivieri promised last month to investigate the matter, insisting on a social media post that Lopez’s behaviour had not gone unnoticed.
The sanctioning body, however, has now confirmed that, after the Brooklyn-born boxer was allegedly warned by his management team, no further steps will be taken to see that he is adequately punished.
In a statement obtained by Boxing News, the WBO said: “Please be advised that Mr. Lopez was formally admonished through his management team.
“The [WBO] has made it unequivocally clear that it will not tolerate any actions, antics, conduct, or remarks that are detrimental to our core principles and values, which are grounded in integrity, respect, and inclusion.
“We remain vigilant in upholding the standards expected of all WBO champions, both inside and outside the ring.
“The conduct of our athletes reflects directly on the [organisation], and we will continue to take appropriate measures to ensure alignment with our mission and values.”
Lopez’s manager, Keith Connolly, declined to comment on the matter when contacted by Boxing News.
