Devin Haney (31-0, 15 KOs) and WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) are negotiating a fight at 140.
Haney is taking a big risk facing the two-division world champion Teofimo without a tuneup first, considering what happened to him in his last fight against Ryan Garcia. This has a cash-out feel to it from Haney’s side, as if he’s just given up on his career and is looking to take the biggest payday he can get.
A fight between Haney and Teofimo will bring in PPV buys, but it likely won’t be near the level of Devin’s last fight against Ryan Garcia.
Teofimo is not a PPV draw and is not well-known to casual boxing fans. His fights since 2021 show that he’s on the downside of his career. He can still punch, though, and that’s not what Haney needs if he wants to be in a position for a rematch with Ryan in 2025.
Devin Taking BIG Risk
Forbes is reporting talks are underway for a Teofimo vs. Haney fight, but we’ll have to see if it can get made. It would be a purely insane move for Haney on Lopez in his comeback fight because he needs a confidence booster against a light puncher after the brutal beatdown Ryan did.
The talks between Haney and Teo have not been confirmed, but if this fight does come off, it could end the 25-year-old Devin’s career. Teofimo can punch, and he can finish what Ryan Started earlier this year on April 20th.
“According to sources I spoke to with direct knowledge, Haney is negotiating to face Teofimo Lopez in his return bout,” Forbes says on their site. “The source didn’t share dates or money, but Haney and Lopez would headline a massive card in 2025 if the fight is agreed to. The card would be broadcast on ESPN and promoted by Top Rank.”
Haney does have a chance in this fight because Teofimo has looked awful in recent matches against these fighters:
– Steve Claggett
– Jamaine Ortiz
– Sandor Martin
– Pedro Campa
– George Kambosos Jr
Teofimo is not the type of fight that promoter Eddie Hearn would advise Devin Haney to take after losing to Ryan by a three-knockdown, 12-round majority decision. Hearn said Haney should take a tuneup first to ensure he’s okay before facing the talented opposition.
If vintage Teofimo shows up, Haney won’t last three rounds. Teofimo will destroy him in a platter job, leaving Haney’s career in a mess.