In a calculated move at the weigh-in event for Canelo Alvarez versus Edgar Berlanga, Teofimo Lopez seized the opportunity to make headlines by calling out Gervonta “Tank” Davis. Lopez’s declaration echoed throughout the boxing media as he announced his desire for a showdown with the superstar, stating, “He ain’t fighting, and I ain’t fighting. I’m ready.” However, the sincerity of this call out raises eyebrows. The timing and substance of Lopez’s challenge appear ill-conceived, giving the impression of a desperate attempt to regain relevance rather than a genuine match proposition.
The Diminishing Spotlight
Since his victory over Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020, Lopez has seen a dramatic decline in his performance, leaving many questioning his status in the boxing hierarchy. The bright lights that once surrounded the New Yorker have dimmed considerably. His subsequent defeats, particularly to George Kambosos Jr. and questionable performances against Jamaine Ortiz and Sandor Martin, paint a picture of a fighter who has lost his edge. The struggles he faced while making weight at 140 pounds further emphasize the challenges he encounters, both physically and psychologically.
Teofimo’s aspirations extend beyond Davis, as he also mentioned wanting to fight notable names like Ryan Garcia and Terence Crawford. This ambitious approach, while commendable in spirit, seems misaligned with the current trajectory of his career. These fighters are operating at a different level, and their paths may not intersect with Lopez, who is still grappling with his own performance issues. When Lopez was asked to comment on fighting WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr., he notably refrained, showcasing an apparent reluctance to engage with fighters who are willing but not as commercially hyped.
Gervonta Davis’s Upcoming Challenges
As Davis gears up for an anticipated return to the ring on December 14th, he is in a position to choose his next opponent from a pool of fighters who are currently enjoying a solid rise in the rankings. Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela, having recently established himself with impressive victories over respected opponents, is among the frontrunners for that spot. Unlike Lopez, who is struggling to regain his footing, Valenzuela is surging with momentum, making him a more appealing choice for Davis.
Instead of persistently chasing the iconic names in boxing that may not entertain a matchup, Lopez would be better served redirecting his focus to more feasible opponents within his weight class. Engaging with fighters who are eager to elevate their own status could present a more practical and rewarding path for Lopez to revitalize his career. By taking these bouts, Lopez may regain some of the credibility and skill that seemed evident during his ascent to fame.
Teofimo Lopez’s call out of Gervonta Davis seems part of a larger narrative rooted in his fight against obscurity. While his determination is commendable, the reality is he must reassess his current standing and prospects. It is time for Lopez to face opponents who align with his current capabilities rather than reach for those who are well beyond his grasp at this moment. Only then can he truly reclaim his place in the sport and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with in boxing.