Tensions at 140 pounds keep rising, with Teofimo Lopez taking verbal shots at Devin Haney over social media. Lopez, the WBO light welterweight champion, labeled Haney a "punk b&%$" and blasted him for not accepting a rumored offer to fight - allegedly for a $2.4 million purse and a 55-45 split favoring Lopez. Teofimo insists he deserves the bigger cut because he calls himself “king” at junior welterweight, while Haney is just an ex-champion coming off a loss to Ryan Garcia last April.
According to the media, Haney, who’s been inactive since that 12-round majority decision defeat to Garcia, is set to return on March 25, with the event streamed on BLT Prime. The announcement raised eyebrows among fans who wonder whom Haney will face next - and whether he’ll opt for a safer opponent after hitting the canvas three times against Garcia. Many believe that loss exposed vulnerabilities, prompting top contenders at 140 to see him as easy pickings.
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One of those contenders, Lopez, says he was open to facing Haney but claims the ex-champ wasn’t willing to sign. Instead, the New Yorker is now expected to defend his WBO title on March 15 against Subriel Matias, a heavy puncher and former IBF belt-holder. Teofimo has tried calling out bigger names like Terence Crawford, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, Ryan Garcia, and Gervonta Davis, but only Matias - and 135-pounder Keyshawn Davis - have shown any interest. Lopez, however, says he has zero desire to fight Keyshawn, believing he’s not a big enough draw.
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