Teofimo Lopez Explains Why He Rejected a Fight With Subriel Matias
Teofimo Lopez, the former lightweight champion, recently provided insight into why he rejected the opportunity to fight Subriel Matias, the hard-hitting Puerto Rican boxer. The potential clash had generated significant interest, but Lopez explained that multiple factors played a role in his decision to turn it down.
Lopez’s Last Fight and Matias’ Recent Performance
Lopez has not competed since June, when he defended his WBO belt with a dominant performance over Steve Claggett. Meanwhile, Subriel Matias had a setback when he lost his IBF super-lightweight title to Liam Paro in 2024, but rebounded with a win over Roberto Ramirez in November. This set the stage for a potential showdown between the two, with many boxing fans anticipating an exciting contest in 2025.
Bob Arum Confirms Lopez Rejected the Fight
Despite the buzz around a potential Lopez vs Matias fight, Bob Arum, the head of Top Rank, confirmed that Lopez turned down the offer. Lopez’s rejection of the match-up raised questions, and his rival Devin Haney publicly asked Lopez to explain his reasoning.
Lopez’s Response on Social Media
Lopez took to Twitter to respond to Haney’s inquiry, offering specific reasons for his decision. He explained that Top Rank wanted to host the fight on the West Coast when it should have been held in New York City. The fight’s location was a crucial factor for Lopez, who has a strong fan base in New York, a city where he could have attracted a massive crowd to support him.
Financial Terms and Star Power Concerns
Another key reason Lopez turned down the fight was the financial terms of the offer. He revealed that Top Rank offered him $2.8 million for the match, which he felt undervalued his status as one of boxing’s remaining stars. Lopez pointed out that he was “the last star” under Top Rank’s banner and believed that his marketability and drawing power deserved better financial recognition.
Lopez’s Focus on Career Strategy
Lopez’s rejection of the Matias fight highlights his broader strategy to secure the best possible deals and conditions for his career. While many boxing fans were excited about the potential clash, Lopez made it clear that he wouldn’t settle for terms that didn’t reflect his worth in the sport. His decision underscores the importance of not just winning fights but also ensuring that each opportunity is maximized both financially and strategically.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Lopez?
Though Lopez has turned down the Matias fight for now, it remains to be seen whether the two will ever face off in the future. For now, Lopez’s focus is on ensuring that his future in boxing is both lucrative and aligned with his long-term career goals. Whether or not he reconsiders fighting Matias, the decision sets the tone for how Lopez plans to navigate the business side of the sport moving forward.
