Renowned journalist Mark Kriegel, who is currently mostly associated with ESPN, said that recent reports of the generosity of WBA, WBO and WBC lightweight champion Vasily Lomachenko (14-1, 10 KOs) towards the IBF champion Teofimo Lopez (15-0, 12 KOs) are not true.
“This idea that Lomachenko gave part of his purse to Lopez so that the meeting could take place is false, which is confirmed by various sources. Teofimo himself claims that the version of the generous Lomachenko is nonsense. Egis Klimas, Lomachenko's manager, said on Tuesday that the fight would not take place and then praised Bob Arum for convincing Lopez. There were talks about changes in Teofimo's contract with Top Rank, but, in my opinion, the key role was played by Lopez's father, who told his son that if he did not seize the opportunity now, he would not get a fight with Lomachenko in the future,” Kriegel said.
The media informed (for example The Athletic) that the Ukrainian gave about 250 thousand dollars from his purse for the financial needs of Lopez, who should now earn 1.5 million (Lomachenko - 3.25 million). Perhaps we will soon find out the truth, but for now, on October 17 or 24, we are waiting for a fight of the young champion against one of the best boxers of the 21st century.
