Teofimo Lopez confirmed to X that he will be Ryan Garcia’s next opponent for his fight in May.
Turki Al-Sheikh posted a photo of Ryan (24-1, 20 KOs) signing the contract on social media today, saying, “The deal is done. The opponent is set.” Teofimo answered the post, saying, “Let the games begin.”
Times Square Tune-up
WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo will be Garcia’s opponent in May in the rumored fight in New York’s Times Square. Haney would also be on the card. One of the options being considered for his warmup fight is former 140-lb unification champion Jose Ramirez.
Fighting Teo is a crazy move on Ryan’s part because he’s a better fighter than Haney and, because of his strength, is more dangerous. Lopez has only lost once to George Kambosos Jr., and has shown no problems with his chin. You’d have to consider Teofimo a more formidable test for Garcia than Haney.
Is This A Fault For Garcia?
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Ryan loses to Lopez because he’s not the type of opponent that he can take a lot of hits or take rounds off like he did in his most recent win over Haney on April 20th.
Teofimo was in London last Saturday at the Ring Awards, looking like one of the night shifters wearing sunglasses from the movie, ‘Omega Man.’ He looked modest and inappropriate for awards. Teo probably thought he looked cool, but he was like a paranoid.
Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, said last Saturday that Teofimo (21-1, 13 KOs) wants Ryan next, not Devin Haney. Ryan is set to fight Devin in a rematch in October. That’s part of the three-fight deal Garcia wrote to Turki. De La Hoya feels that Ryan fighting Haney is also a waste of time, but Turki obviously feels differently.
Let the games begin! 🤝 @Turki_alalshikh
— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) January 16, 2025
