Absolute Super Lightweight Champion Josh Taylor commented on a recent comment Teofimo Lopez on social networks that he will very soon "become the undisputed champion again," with an emphasis on "again."
Lopez became the centerpiece of the lightweight division after defeating Vasyl Lomachenko in October 2020, securing the IBF, WBO, WBA and WBC franchise belts. Lomachenko gave up a full-fledged WBC title in exchange for a franchise title before his fight with Lopez. The WBC title now belongs to Devin Haney.
For this reason, Taylor (18-0, 13 KOs) has long argued that the “absolute” label cannot be used in this situation, although Lopez positioned himself as such until November last year, when he lost his belts to George Cambosos (20-0, 10 KOs) by a separate decision of the judges.
After the fight, Lopez (16-1, 12 KOs) had a life-threatening experience that forced him to make the decision to move up the super lightweight division, Taylor's division, and move forward.
"Again? To become the undisputed champion again? Taylor asked in an interview with IFL TV. - Yes, I saw it. But the point is that he was never absolute, so he will have to try to do it for the first time. "
Taylor reunited the super lightweight division last May by defeating Jose Ramirez by unanimous decision. The Scotsman must defend his belts against Briton Jack Catterall (26-0, 13 KOs) in Glasgow on 26 February.
A fight between Taylor and Lopez is possible in the future, at least on paper, given that both fighters are under Top Rank's contract. Of course, as Taylor put it, Lopez must first prove himself in the division before he gets a chance for a title shot. Top Rank handles the affairs of many decent super lightweights, including Ramirez (26-1, 17 KOs), Jose Pedraza (29-3, 14 KOs), Jose Cepeda (35-2, 27 KOs) and Arnold Barbosa Jr. (26- 0, 10 KOs).
"There is a very long line in front of him to get this fight," added Taylor. "He can wait as long as he wants and bark as long as he wants."
