Lightweight contender, Teofimo Lopez (13-0, 11 KOs) is relishing a world title shot at Richard Commey’s International Boxing Federation (IBF) belt, if he is able to beat fellow undefeated fighter, Masayoshi Nakatani (18-0, 12 KOs) in their final eliminator battle on Friday 19, July 2019 at the MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Maryland, USA.
“This is what my father and I have worked for since I started training as a young kid. He envisioned this type of success for me, and here we are, headlining a card on ESPN+ one win away from a world title shot.” Teofimo Said.
“We all know what is at stake on Friday. But if you think too far ahead, you get careless. Nakatani is my only concern right now. After Friday night, we can talk about the future. Nakatani has been fighting 12-rounders since before I turned pro, so he has a lot of valuable experience. I believe my talent will outweigh his experience.”
“I say this before all of my fights — I go in there to take over the show. I’m a main event fighter now, and that won’t change. When people watch me fight, they put down their phones because they don’t want to miss anything. For the boxing fans living in the Northeast, come down and watch me fight. And if you can’t make it down, check out the best show of the weekend on ESPN+.” Teofimo Lopez expressed when quizzed on his future.
The bill is being promoted by Top Rank and set to headline an ESPN show.
In an interview with Top Rank Press, The American Teofimo Lopez was upbeat ahead of the bout. On his role as an entertainer, The American Teofimo spoke about his uniqueness and his aim to always try to entertain in his fights.
“I do all of that stuff — the backflips and the Fortnite celebrations — because I want to entertain. I want people to remember my name. I’m a fighter, but I am also an entertainer. That’s been lost in today’s game. I’m unique in the sport of boxing.”
The Honduran-American also answered questions on his recent weight struggles
“The weight is not an issue. I’ve been working with a new nutrition team, Perfecting Athletes, and they have made all the difference. I’ll be able to make lightweight for a few more fights.”
Teófimo Andrés López Rivera famed Teofimo Lopez is aiming at Ghana’s Richard Oblitey Commey’s strap and for now the only hurdle to earning the shot is one Japanese undefeated boxer in Masayoshi Nakatani.