Teofimo Lopez’s anticipated return to the boxing ring has been postponed to early 2024, prompting Bob Arum’s Top Rank to reshuffle its upcoming ESPN fight schedule. Boxing insiders have revealed that the December 9th event will now spotlight Robeisy Ramirez in the main event, likely taking place in Florida. Ramirez, the Cuban sensation based in Las Vegas, is expected to defend his WBO featherweight title against the undefeated Mexican fighter, Rafael Espinoza.
The December 9th event will also showcase rising stars Keyshawn Davis in the lightweight category and Xander Zayas in the junior middleweight division. However, as of now, their opponents for the televised bouts remain unconfirmed. Originally, the Ramirez-Espinoza bout was set to headline an ESPN+ stream on November 4th in Stateline, Nevada. But in a twist, Top Rank announced that the new main event for that date will feature Nigerian heavyweight Efe Aja against Australian Joe Goodall.
In a subsequent update, Arum confirmed that Lopez’s next fight is slated for the first quarter of 2024. Initially, Lopez was scheduled to defend his newly-acquired WBO junior welterweight title on December 9th at Madison Square Garden. Lopez, hailing from Brooklyn, had previously stunned the boxing world by defeating Josh Taylor in June, marking his ascent as a two-weight world champion.
Traditionally, Top Rank airs a show post the Heisman Trophy ceremony every December, usually at Madison Square Garden. However, this year’s December 9th event will be relocated, as Ramirez, despite his undeniable talent, isn't considered a big enough draw to headline a show at such a prestigious venue.
Image Credit: Top Rank