‘That’s the Mac Daddy’: Teofimo Lopez Talks Ortiz, Being Happy and the Fight He Really Wants

On Thursday, February 8, Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) will look to defend his WBO and Ring Magazine super lightweight world titles against Jamaine Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KOs) at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas. Lopez has already made a vivid prediction regarding the outcome of his upcoming fight, but as we edge closer to fight night, “The Takeover” has spoken to Dan Rafael on the Big Fight Weekend/Fight Freaks Unite Podcast, where they discussed his upcoming bout and one fighter he would love to face in the future.

Teofimo Lopez Discusses Ortiz Fight and Terence Crawford

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Teofimo Lopez Talks Taylor Fight and Needing time Off

When asked about his feelings on performing a few days before the Super Bowl, Lopez said: “This is a super fight. I want to thank Las Vegas, Nevada, for giving me the opportunity. I want to thank Top Rank, Bob Arum, and Todd DuBoef. I also want to thank ESPN for the beautiful platform.“

Rafael asked about the Josh Taylor win being his best performance, and Lopez quickly made it clear how important he views the Ortiz fight: “Jamaine Ortiz is going to be a big fight for me.” He then continued regarding Taylor: “Yeah absolutely. I believe that was my best performance I have seen myself in my whole career.” 

Hear Dan’s entire conversation with Teofimo Lopez on the newest “Fight Freaks Unite Recap Podcast” by clicking play below,

After the win against Taylor, “The Takeover” announced his retirement and speaking to Rafael regarding this announcement, he said: “Personally I did it for my own sake of being a father.” He went on to express frustration at missing milestones with his family and having to answer to mandatory defences.

Addressing his retirement announcement, he said: “I knew I wasn’t done with the sport. I just needed some time off.”

Jamaine Ortiz and Possible Future Opponents

“I’m always about fighting the best and competitive fighters and challenges.” He continued: “Me and Jamaine Ortiz have history between each other from nine years ago in 2015 in the national golden gloves in the finals,” said Lopez. He added: “I’m not overlooking him at all.”

Dan asked the Brooklyn-born fighter about his recent comments regarding Terence Crawford: “I will be honest Dan, it’s the only guy (possible opponent) that gets me going.” He continued: It’s not Ryan Garcia. It’s not Devin Haney. It’s Terence Crawford.” He added: “That’s the Mac Daddy of all these other fighters.“

Lopez also said he wants to fight at least three times in 2024.

Take a trip down memory lane with us to when Lopez defeated Sandor Martin by split decision.