Teofimo Lopez has started a verbal sparring match with Tim Bradley, questioning the retired boxer's place in the Hall of Fame. The 27-year-old current WBO 140 lb champion didn't hold back in his criticism of Bradley's career.
Lopez, who shot to fame in 2020 by beating Vasiliy Lomachenko against the odds to become the unified lightweight world champion, shared his thoughts in a recent interview with Fight Hub TV.
"I don't even know how Tim Bradley's in the Hall of Fame, to be real. I don't understand that part. I don't think he's a Hall of Famer … There's other guys, other f***ing fighters that definitely out-did his career and his resume … Maybe [he beat] one guy – Juan Manuel Marquez. But Pacquiao beat him. Ain't no way he beat Pacquiao."
Lopez's comments come after he added a second divisional title to his collection by beating Josh Taylor, the former undisputed champion at 140 lbs. He's since defended that belt with unanimous decision wins over Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett in 2023.
The young champion's career hasn't been without setbacks. He suffered a shock defeat to George Kambosos Jr and has put in some lacklustre performances. But Lopez believes his achievements already make him worthy of Hall of Fame status.
Bradley, a two-weight world champion who only lost to Manny Pacquiao in his professional career, retired in 2016 and turned to analysis. He won his first bout with Pacquiao via a controversial split decision before losing twice to the Filipino legend.
The feud between Lopez and Bradley seems to have started when Bradley said Lopez would be "dog food" for the 140-pound division. Bradley addressed the situation on the 3 Knockdown Rule Podcast:
"I think this guy, Teofimo Lopez—I like the kid, man. I had a relationship with this kid. When I said what I said about him being 'dog food' for the 140s, I think that really ticked him off. So now our relationship has kind of gone south. I still think he's a cool kid, but the thing is that the kid wants attention, man. I've never seen a man whine and cry so much, man, about his situation. about the business of boxing, about what he's not getting, about this fighter and that fighter, man, like, it's ridiculous to watch and it's shameful at the same time."
Lopez might move up in weight soon to add to his legacy. For now, he's made it clear he thinks he's already done enough to be considered a future Hall of Famer, even if he doesn't think Bradley deserves the honor.
