HE MAY be retired but there is no media attention on Teofimo Lopez.
The 25-year-old attended Errol Spence-Terence Crawford’s press conference in New York yesterday and was surrounded by reporters afterward.
Lopez announced his decision to leave the sport shortly after his top game performance before Josh Taylor on Saturday. ‘The Takeover’ left the ring with a belt around his waist but told the media department inside the Madison Square Garden Theater that he was, in fact, retired.
The Brooklyn-born superstar now plans to promote and train boxers, along with his father Teofimo Sr., as well as work in commentary in the future. Everyone has their price, however. In a media discussion taken by FightHub TV Lopez was asked what would happen to cancel his retirement.
“I’m looking at a three- to five-year contract, you can throw a big number at that,” he replied.
He then added: “The only way for me to come back is a long pile of change because I can immediately use that money to really help my family. So if I die in some way, I’m happy to see that my work will be left to my children. It is a generational wealth. That’s what we do it for. I’m not going back with $10 million, that’s too light because after taxes, after paying everyone and after the belt penalty fee, you’re going home with two million dollars. I need safety. It’s not for me, it’s for my loved ones.”
Lopez admits that even his loved ones don’t believe he’s retired but for now, that’s the stance he continues to take. The former lightweight number one revealed that there are “six to eight months” left on his current contract with Top Rank.
With Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney, there are three compelling options that could entice Lopez back into the ring. In the question-and-answer section, the new lightweight champion gave his opinion on who will be the toughest opponent for him.
“Sharkur is technically wise. Strength and some speed will be Tank. Devin Haney was the last of the bunch and I think Shakur knows it, Tank knows it.”
