Teofimo Lopez is now in line to face Lindolfo Delgado for the vacant IBF super lightweight title following the departure of former champion Richardson Hitchins from the division.
The IBF moved quickly to organize a title fight after Hitchins vacated the belt to move up to welterweight, identifying Delgado as the leading contender. With other ranked fighters such as Oscar Duarte and Keyshawn Davis already scheduled for bouts in May, Lopez has been positioned as the next available option.
Lopez’s potential title shot comes shortly after his defeat to Shakur Stevenson in January, where he lost a wide decision in a bid for the WBO 140-pound title. Following that loss, Lopez had indicated plans to move up in weight, but the opportunity to compete for a vacant belt has brought him back into the super lightweight picture.
According to his management team, Lopez has been formally notified of the opportunity and is expected to discuss his next move in the coming days. The situation leaves open the possibility of a high-stakes clash with the unbeaten Delgado, who last fought in November and remains one of the division’s most consistent contenders.
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