‘There Will Definitely Be a Knockout’: Teofimo Lopez Makes Vivid Prediction
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) on Thursday, February 8, at Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas. Following a recent training session at the Top Rank gym, Lopez has spoken about turning his career around via a promotional press release.
Teofimo Lopez Speaks Ahead of Ortiz Clash
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Teofimo Lopez Speaks on Improving
Following a recent training session, “The Takeover” spoke on the improvements he’s made: “Before all of this and before I fought Josh Taylor, I used to take a break. I used to not really train so much. I used to not always be in the gym. But after I got everything back and became a two-division world champion, I started staying in the gym. My trainer, who is my father, always wanted me to stay in the gym. So, I started doing that last August. Since then, I’ve gotten faster. I’ve gotten much stronger. My I.Q. is much sharper. And it’s because I haven’t stopped training since August of last year. And I’m not going to stop. After I beat Jamaine Ortiz, then I will keep staying in the gym.”
It is clear, that Lopez appears focused and ready for February 8, and revealed his prediction for the upcoming fight: “The end result is that ‘The Showman’ is returning. There will definitely be a knockout. It’s not going the distance. I’m not going to leave it in the judges’ hands at all. So, everyone tune in, and get your popcorn ready.”
“It’s been a long journey. And I know what it takes. I don’t want to be known as a fighter who knows how to get to the top but doesn’t know how to keep it. So, I want everyone to tune in so they can see how much I truly love the sport of boxing,” Lopez added.
Lopez and Ortiz Recent Career Highlights
Lopez won the IBF lightweight title in December 2019 against Richard Commey by a second-round knockout. The Brooklyn-born fighter memorably defeated Vasiliy Lomachenko to win the WBA, WBO, and WBC Franchise titles – but lost them to George Kambosos Jr. by a shocking split decision. Lopez then moved up to junior welterweight and beat Pedro Campa and Sandor Martin. In his last outing, he deservedly won – by unanimous decision against former undisputed champ Josh Taylor.
Ortiz was competitive but ultimately lost by unanimous decision to Vasiliy Lomachenko in October 2022 before returning to the ring and defeating Antonio Moran in his junior welterweight debut. The Worcester native also recently spoke to Top Rank about how comfortable he’s feeling at 140lbs.
