Josh Taylor says he’s sending Teofimo Lopez into retirement on Saturday

By Boxing News - 06/05/2023 - Comments

By Jim Calfa: An angry Josh Taylor says he’s going to send Teofimo Lopez into retirement this Saturday, June 10th, when he gets him inside the ring.

WBO light welterweight champion Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs) believes that Teofimo will hang up his gloves after he puts a bad “beating” on him in their headliner on ESPN and ESPN+.

Teofimo, 25, is too young and getting paid too much money by Top Rank for him to retire after a one-sided loss to Taylor. Even if Teo loses, which he likely will, he’ll continue fighting but must be moved more carefully by his promoters.

This fight will give a good indication of the direction Teofimo’s career will be heading in. If he loses to Taylor in a one-sided affair, it would be safe to say that he’s not cut out to be competing at 140.

In Teofimo’s two previous fights at light welterweight,  he was unremarkable, beating Sandor Martin and Pedro Campa.

Teofimo (18-1, 13 KOs) has looked off the mark recently and hasn’t put in a quality performance since his victory over Vasyl Lomachenko three years ago in 2020.

Some believe Teofimo did well in that fight because Lomachenko fought with an injured shoulder and didn’t start throwing punches until the seventh. When Loma finally did open up with his offense, he dominated Teofimo.

Josh Taylor: “Just with the things he says and the things that he does. Mentally, he’s a mouse, and he’s got already got the the doubts in his mind, and I’m going to cement them, and I’m going to put this guy into retirement after I’ve given that much of a beating, and that’s schooling,” Taylor said to Top Rank Boxing.

Teofimo Lopez: “A mouse or a moose? Which one is i?

Taylor: “A mouse.”

Teofimo:  “F**k yeah, I love that emotion.”

Taylor: “This is mighty. You’re a mouse.”

Teofimo: “Thank you for the compliment. Man, I can’t wait. I’m going to f**k this guy up. I can’t wait. It’s going to be fun.”

Taylor: “You’re going to be on fire. I’m going to make you work that your lungs are going to be exploding.”

Teofimo: “What do I have to lose? I’m Teofimo against all odds. A guy that comes in there when everyone thinks he’s done. I give you guys what you want, but I’m not going to give you what you need until June 10th. This is boxing.”

Taylor: “This guy is a piece of s**t.”

Teofimo: “Don’t shake yourself. I’m not just a piece. I’m all of it. Why do you go out there with your Scottish dress?”

Taylor: “You’re going to feel the wrath, boy. Trust me; you’re going to feel it.”

Teofimo: “That’s all rubbish, mate.”

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