Teofimo Lopez Sparks Controversy Over Contractual Dispute with Top Rank
Renowned boxer and current WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez has ignited controversy regarding his relationship with Top Rank, the promotional company that has guided his career. According to sources close to ESPN, Lopez sent a legal letter to the promoter on Thursday, asserting that his promotional agreement is invalid and that he should be regarded as a free agent.
Lopez, 27, boasts a record of 21 wins and 13 knockouts and signed a contract extension with Top Rank prior to his bout against Sandor Martin in December 2022. This fight, which resulted in a Lopez victory, is at the center of the contractual dispute. Reports indicate that the contract stipulated the extension would only be effective if Lopez defeated José Pedraza. However, after Pedraza was replaced by Martin due to injury, Lopez’s team began to challenge the validity of the extension.
Top Rank maintains that the amendment is still valid despite the change in opponent. Sources close to the promoter claim that Lopez accepted in writing that the modification remained in effect. While Top Rank has refrained from making an official comment on the situation, Lopez has not responded to media inquiries.
Additionally, Top Rank asserts that the promotional agreement with Lopez includes multiple extensions activated independently of the mentioned amendment. One such provision states that if Lopez won another title, his contract would automatically extend, which occurred after his victory over Josh Taylor in June 2023.
Lopez's Position and Retirement
Following his win against Taylor, Lopez shocked the boxing community by announcing a temporary retirement, a decision his legal team argues should nullify any contractual extensions. However, his retirement has not been officially recognized by Top Rank, which continues to extend the contract due to Lopez’s inactivity.
Lopez was slated to face former champion José Ramírez in December 2023 in New York, but no fight has been confirmed to date. Top Rank views Lopez’s inactivity as another factor that could prolong his contract, alongside his title victory and temporary retirement.
Top Rank president Bob Arum has expressed frustration with Lopez on multiple occasions. In a recent statement, Arum remarked, “Teofimo sometimes acts like he has a screw loose. I like the kid, but I can’t figure him out, and he makes no logical sense.” He claimed that Lopez signed a contract extension both before and after the fight against Martin, suggesting that Lopez may be presenting his legal team with the wrong contract, causing unnecessary confusion.
“Dealing with Teofimo is like dealing with Alice in Wonderland,” Arum added, alluding to the unpredictable behavior Lopez has exhibited in recent months. Despite the ongoing tensions, both parties are working toward resolving the legal conflict, although no agreement or return date for Lopez to the ring has been confirmed.
Teofimo Lopez rose to fame after defeating the legendary Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020 and has remained a prominent figure in both the lightweight and junior welterweight divisions. However, the uncertainty surrounding his future in boxing persists, with his contractual situation with Top Rank still unresolved. Lopez was offered a fight on September 27 in New York but declined the date, further complicating his situation with the promoter.
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