TEOFIMO LOPEZ has vacated the WBO super-lightweight title – just days after seemingly retiring from boxing.
The former unified lightweight champion revealed his intention to hang up his gloves just minutes after ripping the WBO and Ring Magazine 140lbs titles from Josh Taylor’s clutches.
And The Takeover is seemingly taking the steps to walk away from the sport by relinquishing his newly-claimed WBO strap.
WBO chief Paco Valcarcel tweeted on Thursday: “Just now @TeofimoLopez is texting me that he relinquished his Jr welterweight title.
“We should respect his decision.
“If he come[s] back, WBO doors will be always open for him.”
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Lopez, 25, shortly confirmed Valcarcel’s update on his career with a tweet of his own.
He wrote: “Thank you, everyone, for making the greatest moments in my career a GREAT ONE.
“Thank you Top Rank and ESPN for creating ‘THE TAKEOVER’ into a real thing!
“I am forever grateful for all of the sanctioning bodies in Boxing for showing me I can and am more than Boxing!
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“What a career.”
Lopez, whose mental health has been a concern for boxing fans, laid out his shock retirement plans minutes after leaving the ring at the Theater at Madison Square Garden last weekend.
And he appeared to follow through on his vow less than 24 hours later, writing on Instagram alongside a picture of himself as a child with his dad: “What a relief!
“Retired at the Top.
“Thank you boxing for the amazing life you’ve provided for myself and my entire loved ones!
“THE DOUBLE-GREATEST #JesusIsKing.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
