Teofimo Lopez Jr. is set for a significant purse in his upcoming fight against Jamaine Ortiz. This event draws considerable interest, considering Lopez's vocal discontent over past fight compensations and a brief retirement announcement.
In June last year, Teofimo Lopez Jr., at the age of 25, announced his retirement. The reason was clear: insufficient compensation despite his contributions to boxing.
He stated, "The only way you get Teofimo back is a nine-figure contract deal. Because I’ve made ESPN over a hundred million dollars, and I’m still getting paid a million dollars to fight."
This declaration was made following his victory over Josh Taylor, where he clinched the WBO and The Ring light welterweight titles, marking him as a world champion across two weight classes.
Before this sudden announcement, Lopez's earnings for fights were notably unsatisfactory for him. Despite an ESPN contract guaranteeing $1 million per fight, his last bout fetched him $2.3 million.
Notably, in 2021, he earned $2.1 million from the George Kambosos Jr fight albeit losing the title defense, and a controversial split decision victory against Sandor Martin brought him another $1 million.
The comeback seems directly tied to financial incentives yet again with the expected earnings against Jamaine Ortiz pegged at more than his previous fights—his purse for the Teofimo Lopez Jr. vs. Jamaine Ortiz fight is projected between $3 million to $4 million.
Lopez's eyes are not just on this immediate purse but also on future prospects. Garnering more from this fight could set the stage for potential high-stake matchups against either Ryan Garcia or Devin Haney.
Such title unification bouts could finally bring Lopez closer to the nine-figure compensation package he deems reflective of his worth and contribution to the sport.
Thus, Teofimo Lopez Jr.'s journey from brief retirement back into the ring encapsulates not just a fighter’s quest for deserved recognition but also underlines the complex dynamics of professional boxing economics where legacy intertwines with financial remuneration.
