Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett Press Conference Highlights and Surprise Fight Prediction

Teofimo Lopez (20-1, 13 KOs) and Steve Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs) will soon clash for the WBO super lightweight title.

The two men headline a Top Rank card – in association with Eye of the Tiger Management – at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, FL. Viewers in the United States can catch the action live on ESPN, ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the United Kingdom and Ireland, while those in Canada can do so on TSN. Lopez will be making the second defence of his world title.

Ahead of their clash on June 29, both fighters spoke at a press conference. Below is what they had to say.

Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett Presser Highlights, Prediction

Press Conference Quotes

Teofimo Lopez

“Well, first and foremost I want to thank God for this opportunity right here,” said Lopez. “This is a great opportunity not just for myself, but for everyone that’s on this card. This is a long overdue event. Miami has been great. I did my training camp here preparing for Josh Taylor, and we just thought that we needed to revisit this. Obviously, I’m in great spirits. So I look forward to it.”

“We understand this is like entering the dragon right now in this moment. This is not a slouch. He’s waited 15 years for this opportunity right here and he has it. You know, this is the moment of his career and for me, overall, just sticking to my game plan and listening to my team. This is a good slugfest, it’s going to be a good fight...”

“We know how to get the job done. We know how to get the win. We’re not a two-time lineal champion for no reason. We do this. We face the best fighters in boxing. So, Steve Claggett is going to come to bring it. However, there are levels to this. Nothing personal at that end. I look forward to what he brings to the table, and we’ll dissect him from there.”

Steve Claggett

“This is something I’ve worked my whole life for,” said Claggett. “I feel like I have great momentum right now. It’s the time for me.”

“I don’t really care what other people say. You can only control your perspective, so I just do what I know is right and I prepare like I know. Sacrificed what I did and put in the work.”

“The name of the game is to work on your weaknesses. I’ve made consistent improvements and stayed dedicated. I added all the things I couldn’t do to my game. I’ve been getting better every fight. I feel like I’m progressing more than ever now. It’s a nice time for me.”

Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett Fight Prediction

Some were left scratching their heads when this bout was announced, but this may be a tougher-than-expected clash for Lopez. Claggett is undefeated in his last nine fights with seven wins coming by stoppage. On the other hand, Lopez has had his struggles since moving up to super lightweight. Granted he was dominant against Taylor to win the world title, but Claggett is in the form of his life, active and highly motivated. This prediction may surprise many but expect Claggett to walk away with a unanimous decision win.

Note: The author is Canadian and that may have impacted predicting the outcome of this fight.

Full Press Conference

For more from the press conference, click here or the play button below. Video courtesy of Top Rank.