Teofimo Lopez, 25, announced his retirement two days after becoming the super lightweight division’s lineal champion.
“I have a lot of ideas,” Lopez remarked to Yahoo Sports. “I have a lot of things in mind for the sport of boxing. And I really can’t do that if I’m always in the gym training and preparing for another upcoming fight or bout.”
On June 10, the two-division champion defeated Josh Taylor, 32, by a majority decision at Madison Square Garden, capturing the WBO lightweight title.
Lopez announced his retirement on Instagram on Sunday before discussing it further on ESPN’s “This Just In.”
“What a relief! Retired at the Top. Thank you Boxing for the amazing life you’ve provided for myself and my entire loved ones!” Lopez wrote on the photo.
People are asking if the sudden retirement was motivated by something other than money.
Lopez appeared on “The Porter Way Podcast” on Sunday and expressed dissatisfaction with the figures on his paycheck.
“The only way you get Teofimo back is a nine-figure contract deal,” Lopez explained. “Because I’ve made ESPN over a hundred million dollars, and I’m still getting paid a million dollars to fight.”
A Tweet posted by the official account of Michael Benson. You can also find out more information about Teofimo Lopez, 25, Shocks Boxing World With Retirement Announcement by reading the below tweet:-
‼️ Teofimo Lopez insisting he is now retired from boxing following his win over Josh Taylor… pic.twitter.com/S651SFDGAJ
— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) June 11, 2023
According to ESPN, insiders close to Lopez believe his fighting days are not over.
“While all these other fights who have not even a quarter of what I’ve done and accomplished are in the sport, they’re getting 8, 10, 12, 15 million dollars,” Lopez added on “The Porter Way Podcast” appearance. “So obviously I’m the black sheep of the industry.”
Lopez, who appears to be in his prime, seems eager to take the gloves off the shelf if the price is right. Lopez, for the time being, has withdrawn his name from contention.
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