Teofimo Lopez has called out unified welterweight champion Terrance Crawford and explained why others have backed away from stepping in the ring with him.
The American is set to defend the WBO and The Ring Super Lightweight titles against Jamaine Ortiz next month, but in an exclusive interview with DAZN, the 26-year-old outlined his reasons for wanting to fight the undefeated Crawford.
“He is a two-time undisputed world champion and that’s all kudos to Terence Crawford.” Lopez said.
“I cannot take away from the fact that how he dominated the 147 lb division and how he shows why he is the undisputed champion to this day.
“When it comes to it, I’m not going to try to discredit or take away all the accomplishments he did from ‘35 to ‘40 to now ‘47. That’s solidified Hall of Famer...but that’s what makes great fights happen like this. You got to call out those guys because that’s what makes the best fight the best and that’s what brings boxing back to where it’s at, like it’s always been.
“This is the Terence Crawford era, then that’s the guy...I give him his flowers. However, I’m a fighter as well and I know I’m the best and he says he’s the best. So we’re not too far away in weight class and we can make that happen.”
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