WBO super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) has issued a challenge to yet another fighter. This time, his target is fellow American and divisional rival Ryan Garcia (24-1, 20 KOs), who is currently serving a one-year suspension for doping violations.
"At the moment, Ryan has no fight lined up. I’ll give Oscar De La Hoya a call later to check in with them. But it’s not as simple as just saying, ‘Hey, let’s make this big fight happen.’ There needs to be substance behind it. You can’t just wish for something and make it real—you’ve got to offer something that sparks interest.
I’m trying to be as fair as possible. I believe a 55/45 split is reasonable, considering I’m the king of this division, defending my WBO and The Ring championship titles. Yes, 55/45 seems fair to me.
Ryan, if you’re watching this, listen up: You’ve got no fight lined up, brother. You’re in the same situation, the same tough spot, as I am," said Lopez.
Previously, Teofimo revealed that he had made "fair offers" to WBC champion-in-recess Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) and former lightweight champion George Kambosos (21-3, 10 KOs), both of whom declined.
Meanwhile, Ryan Garcia has recently hinted at a potential return to the ring for a "big fight" early next year.