TEOFIMO LOPEZ called on his rivals Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney to all fight each other ‘instead of just talking about it’.
The lightweight division is on the cusp of a golden generation with stacks of talent emerging.
Lightweight world champion Teofimo LopezCredit: Handout – Getty
Lopez, 23, is the current 135lb ruler having dethroned Vasiliy Lomachenko, 32, in a career-defining upset in 2020.
But unbeaten trio ‘Tank’ Davis, 26, Garcia, 22, Haney, 22, are all laying their claim as best in the business.
Lopez is tired of talk and desperately wants the four stars to put their money where their mouth is and secure mega-fights.
He told ESPN: “I’m the king of the group when it comes to boxing.
“Those guys have their own platforms that they use, and it’s working for them.
“It generates more for all of us when the time comes for us all to face each other. That’s what it’s all about. The lightweight division is hot right now.
“You got Garcia, Tank and Haney; hopefully, we can make these fights happen this year instead of just talking about it.”
Lopez risked his unbeaten record before he shocked Lomachenko, knocking the Ukrainian off his pound-for-pound throne.
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And he wants others to follow instead of holding out and watching the biggest fights possibly pass fans by.
Lopez said: “I set the tone. That’s why we call it the Takeover. I put my 0 at risk fighting a pound-for-pound No.1 at the time in Lomachenko.
“You got to take risks. If you believe in yourself, you got to go for it. And look what happened.
“I became undisputed world champ at 23 years old; that motivated and pushed all the other fighters in that new generation.
“We’re paving the way: The 0 and that stuff doesn’t matter; it’s all about making fights for the fans.
“The difficult part is the promoters and the money. A lot of fighters want to cash out if they are putting their 0 on the line.
“I’m a warrior. I don’t care. I trust in my abilities because I know I’ll win.”
Gervonta Davis with promoter Floyd MayweatherCredit: Scott Hirano/Showtime PPV
WBC lightweight champion Devin HaneyCredit: Matchroom Boxing
Lightweight superstar Ryan GarciaCredit: Tom Hogan
Ryan Garcia promises 2 round knockout to Gervonta Davis
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
