Teofimo Lopez wants the respect he believes he deserves as the undisputed lightweight champion, and claims he is willing to fight Devin Haney next to get it.
The 23-year-old American fighter holds belts from all major governing bodies, though he holds the WBC ‘franchise’ belt and Haney retains the regular champion.
This has led to a never-ending debate on social media as to which version of WBC's belt should be regarded as the real deal, and why.
Nonetheless, Lopez thinks that he should be treated with reverence for his four belts.
“I’ll risk it every time for myself,” Lopez said to Press Enterprise.
“I’ll bet on myself and I’ll double down every time. It’s not about the money. It’s about the respect… I’m the undisputed lightweight champion, then treat him like the undisputed lightweight champion.
“And the entertainment part is what I’m going to bring. I’m not just a boxer, I’m not a brawler, I’m an entertainer when it’s all said and done.”
Lopez is due to fight his IBF mandatory challenger George Kambosos Jr. on 19 June, and attention has already been turned to Haney, who could be next for the winner.
“Let’s make the fight happen,” Lopez said about fighting the 22-year-old champion.
“You’re saying this and you’re saying that. Earlier this week, you were supposed to meet with my promoter Bob Arum and y’all pulled out, so we can negotiate this fight.”