Teofimo Lopez Jr. had a relatively uneventful year as he defended his WBO junior welterweight crown against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett. But as 2025 approaches, he aims to once again live up to his nickname "The Takeover" by engaging in high-stakes fights.

Teofimo Lopez Jr. - Ready to Take Over the Boxing World

Defending the Crown

Teofimo Lopez Jr. entered 2024 with the responsibility of defending his WBO junior welterweight title. His battles against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett showcased his skills and determination on the boxing stage. These fights were not just about retaining the title; they were about establishing his dominance in the division. Lopez showed remarkable resilience and adaptability in the ring, facing opponents with different fighting styles and emerging victorious. His ability to adjust on the fly and deliver knockout punches when needed made him a force to be reckoned with.During these defense campaigns, Lopez demonstrated his boxing IQ and ring awareness. He knew how to read his opponents' moves and capitalize on their weaknesses. His footwork was precise, allowing him to move around the ring with ease and deliver accurate punches. Lopez's defense was also solid, as he was able to block and avoid his opponents' attacks, minimizing the damage he took. These qualities combined made him a tough opponent to face and a true champion in the making.

Preparing for the Big Time

In anticipation of bigger and better fights in 2025, Lopez took a significant step by linking up with Eddy Reynoso. Reynoso, the head coach of Saul "Canelo" Alvarez and a lifelong confidant, joined forces with Lopez and his father, Teofimo Snr. This collaboration brought a new dimension to Lopez's training, as he now had the expertise of two highly respected coaches guiding him.During a recent training session in San Diego, Lopez opened up about his potential matchups against Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, Terence Crawford, and others. He expressed his frustration at the lack of response from Team Haney and his willingness to explore other opportunities. Lopez emphasized the importance of fairness in negotiations and making fights that make sense for both parties. He is determined to be the king of the 140-pound division and is willing to take on any challenge that comes his way.

Training with Eddy Reynoso

Training with Eddy Reynoso has been a game-changer for Lopez. Both Reynoso and his father have unique perspectives on Lopez's abilities and what he can achieve. Their collaboration has been seamless, with both coaches working together to bring out the best in Lopez.Lopez described how he is combining the styles of both coaches into his own, creating a new and improved version of himself. He is focused on honing his skills and perfecting his technique under their guidance. The training sessions are intense and demanding, but Lopez is committed to pushing himself to the limit. He knows that with the right training and support, he can achieve great things in the boxing world.Manouk Akopyan is a renowned sports journalist with an extensive portfolio. His work has been featured on ESPN, Fox Sports, USA Today, The Guardian, Newsweek, Men’s Health, NFL.com, Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Ring Magazine, and more. Since 2018, he has been writing for BoxingScene and is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the MMA Journalists Association. You can reach him on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, or via email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or through his website www.ManoukAkopyan.com.