Terrific Teo! Lopez Dethrones Taylor in Junior Welterweight Title Showdown
The Takeover has conquered a second division.
Former unified and lineal lightweight king Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) captured the WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight world titles with a 12-round unanimous decision win against former undisputed champion Josh Taylor (19-1, 13 KOs) Saturday evening at The Theater at Madison Square Garden.
In the opening two rounds, Taylor connected with straight left hands and counterpunches to the body. But by rounds three and four, the 32-year-Scotsman began feeling the sting of Lopez’s power.
As a result, his offense became more tentative and the pace of the fight decelerated, allowing Lopez to land his signature power shots. By rounds five and six, Lopez took a commanding lead as a confused Taylor struggled to find his punching range.
Lopez punctuated his victory in the final rounds with explosive bursts of offense, shades of the vintage ‘Teo’ who had dominated his adversaries as a lightweight.
With scores of 115-113 2x and 117-111, the 25-year-old Brooklyn native is now a lineal world champion in two divisions.
“Josh Taylor is a tough dude,” said Lopez. “I can see why he beat so many fighters. But you’ve got to counter the counterpuncher. You’ve got to outsmart the man and get in there. And I did that. I think I did enough.This is what it is all about.”
“I questioned myself for a good reason. You guys don’t understand. I’ve always been my worst critic. And you guys got a little glimpse of it. But I’ve just got to ask you one thing, and one thing only. Do I still got it?”
“I’m so grateful. This was a bout fixing what we needed to. That’s why I don’t leave my coach. I trust in him a lot.
“No excuses,” said Taylor. “It wasn’t my best. The better man won tonight. I’ve got no excuses. I fought to the best of my ability. He was better than me tonight. It is what it is. Congratulations to Teofimo.
“I thought it was a close fight. I’d love to do it again. I definitely know I’m better than that, and I know I can beat him still. I’d love to do it again. But he’s the champ, so the ball is in his court.”
Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank
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