WBO super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez is set to fight Steve Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs) on June 29 in Miami. This bout marks Lopez's return to the ring following a lackluster performance against Jamaine Ortiz in Las Vegas in February. Lopez has expressed his frustration over the negotiation process for this fight on social media.
Top Rank’s vice president of operations, Carl Moretti, explained the selection process for Lopez's opponents, emphasizing the desire for fighters who will actively engage with Lopez in the ring. Despite the public's unfamiliarity with Claggett, Moretti assures that he is a credible and formidable opponent, which should make for an entertaining fight.
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The conversation about potential opponents also touched on the limitations of arranging fights with top names like Ryan Garcia, whose future is uncertain due to failed drug tests, and Devin Haney, who is currently entangled in other obligations. This dynamic makes it challenging to predict Lopez's future matchups in the highly competitive weight classes of 135 and 140 pounds.
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