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Bob Arum, founder of Top Rank Inc., is feeling uncertain about the outcome of the highly anticipated junior welterweight bout between Josh Taylor and Teofimo Lopez. Scheduled for June 10, the fight is expected to draw fans both in-person and on ESPN, but Arum is unsure who will come out on top.
In an interview with BoxingScene.com, Arum expressed his doubts, saying, “I don’t know what Teofimo has anymore. And really, I don’t know what Taylor has anymore. You know, this is not like you can predict the fight based on guys who fight frequently. Teofimo has been a little disappointing, in his last fight and in two of his last three fights. And Taylor didn’t look great against Catterall. Hopefully for this fight, they both can present the public with their top-flight self.”
Taylor, who has a record of 19-0 with 13 KOs, will be defending his WBO junior welterweight title against Lopez, who holds a record of 18-1 with 13 KOs. The fight will be held at either Madison Square Garden or the Hulu Theater, with the venue dependent on the playoffs of the Rangers and/or Knicks.
Lopez, a Brooklyn native, recently fought at Madison Square Garden, where he won a split decision over Spanish southpaw Sandor Martin in a 10-round bout. This win came after he lost his IBF, WBA, and WBO lightweight titles to Australian underdog George Kambosos Jr. in November 2021.
Taylor, on the other hand, has not fought since February 2022 when he lost to Jack Catterall in a controversial split decision. Despite a 15-month layoff, he remains confident about his chances against Lopez.
The uncertainty surrounding the fight has not dampened enthusiasm among fans, and the event is expected to draw significant attention. Whether Lopez can reclaim his former glory or Taylor can defend his title, the fight promises to be an exciting one that fans won’t want to miss.