Teofimo Lopez hinted on X that he is Ryan Garcia’s next opponent for his fight in May.
Turki Al-Sheikh posted a picture of Ryan (24-1, 20 KO) signing the contract on social media today, saying: “The deal is done. The opponent is ready.” Teofimo responded to the post, saying: “Let the games begin.”
Times Square setting
WBO light heavyweight champion Teofimo would be Garcia’s opponent in May for a tune-up fight rumored for New York’s Times Square. Haney would also be on the card. One option being considered for his warm-up bout is former 140lb unified champion Jose Ramirez.
Fighting Theo is a crazy move on Ryan’s part because he is a better fighter than Haney and much more dangerous because of his power. Lopez only lost once to George Kambosos Jr., and he had no problems with his chin. You’d have to consider Teofim a far tougher test for Garcia than Haney.
Is this a mistake for Garcia?
It wouldn’t be surprising if Ryan loses to Lopez because he’s not the type of opponent he can afford to land a lot of punches with or get rounds like he did in his recent win over Haney on April 20th.
Teofimo was in London last Saturday at the Ring Awards, looking like one of the movie’s sunglasses-wearing nocturnal mutants, ‘The Omega Man.’ He looked creepy and inappropriate at the awards. Teo probably thought he looked cool, but he resembled a plague mutant.
Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, already said last Saturday that Teofima (21-1, 13 KOs) wants Ryan, not Devin Haney, next. Ryan will still fight Devin in a rematch in October. That’s part of the three-fight deal Garcia reportedly signed for Turki. De La Hoya thinks Ryan’s rematch with Haney is a waste of time, but Turki apparently thinks otherwise.
Let the games begin! 🤝 @Turki_alalshikh https://t.co/8UxSx1sWOZ
— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) January 16, 2025
