Teofimo Lopez’s Fragile State: Will Inactivity And Mental Lapses Cost Him Against The Relentless Barboza Jr.?

Teofimo Lopez’s shaky mental state will be key for him in his fight against Arnold Barboza Jr. next Friday, on May 2nd, DAZN PPV. Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) can’t afford another mental breakdown like we witnessed in several of his past fights, since the last four years, for him to defeat in their battle at Times Square in New York City.

(Credit: Melina Pizano/Matchroom)

Turki Alalshikh is interested in Teofimo fighting IBF and WBO welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. If Lopez loses to Barboza, he can forget about getting the chance for that mega-payday and would be stuck with the loser’s bracket of the mini-tournament.

Cracks In the Armor

Barboza is the toughest fight Lopez has taken since his clash against Jamaine Ortiz last February, and that was seen as a gift decision given to Teo by the Nevada judges, as he was dominated throughout.

Teofimo’s Vuneralities

• Inactivity
• Mentally consistent
• Problems with boxers/movers
• Unable to handle adversity

Arnold (32-0, 11 KOs) isn’t as fast and doesn’t throw combinations the way Jamaine does. He’s skilled, moves well, and has an excellent jab. That’s a weapon Arnold utilized to defeat his last two opponents, Jake Catterall and Jose Ramirez.

When Teo is on, he’s great, looking unbeatable, but he’s not consistent enough to be counted on. He’s going to have to be 100% for him to be victorious against Barboza Jr. because this guy has been way busier with his career than he has. He’s fighting on a high level now with his recent wins over Ramirez and Catterall.

“We’re way more motivated this time. He’s got a lot to prove. He’ got to defend his Ring Magazine. He’s the best in the division right now by beating Josh Taylor,” said Teofimo Lopez Sr. to DAZN Boxing, talking about his son, WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez.

“We got to go in there and keep that belt, keep that Ring Magazine. So, we’re going to show up on May 2nd and show why we’re the best,” Teofimo Sr. continued. “He’s faster, smarter, stronger, and he’s coming to take it all.”

Mental Minefield

WBO light welterweight champion Lopez’s inactivity and fragile mental state put him at risk in this fight against the #1-ranked mandatory challenger, Barboza Jr. (32-0, 11 KOs). It’s been close to a year since Teofimo’s last fight against Steve Claggett on June 29th.

He didn’t look good in that fight, perched against the ropes like a big bird, letting the journeyman Claggett unload on him with his nonstop heavy artillery. Although Lopez won, his eyes were badly swollen, and he looked a terrible sight. His promoter, Bob Arum, didn’t look happy after the fight with his performance.