Teofimo Lopez posted on social media tonight, saying he’d been “fired” by Turki Alalshikh, suggesting that their partnership has ended. If WBO light welterweight champion Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) is fired by Turki, financially, it would be a significant blow to his career. He wouldn’t be fighting in Turki’s events.
Turki Alalshikh’s Silence
Turki hasn’t made a statement confirming what Teofimo is saying about terminating their working relationship.
Recently, Lopez had been pushing hard, trying to get a fight against unified welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. He was hoping Turki would help make that fight happen. If Lopez has been fired, his chances of getting the Boots fights become less likely.
Ennis is focused on capturing the last two belts needed for him to become undisputed. He wasn’t excited about delaying his goal to defend against Teofimo.
Jaron Ennis: Belts Over Paydays
Unlike other fighters, focused on money, Jaron (34-0, 29 KOs) cares more about competing. So, he’d rather achieve his goals than take time out for a nice payday against Teofimo Lopez or other fighters. Ennis is in a race against time.
It’s more critical for Ennis to capture the belts as quickly as possible because it’s become increasingly more difficult for him to make the 147-lb limit. Taking time out to defend against Teo would make it more difficult for him to achieve his goal. He probably should have moved up to 154 over a year ago, but he’s chosen to stay to capture the belts. Bigger fights are waiting for Boots at 154, but he’s determined to stay at 147 for as long as it takes.
Barboza Fight: Poor Performance
Teofimo recently defended his WBO title successfully against Arnold Barboza Jr. on Turki’s Times Square event in New York City on May 2nd. It wasn’t an exciting performance by Teo, who mainly was clowning around, showboating, and using a Shakur-esque style, and didn’t attempt to make the fight entertaining for the fans who ordered the event on PPV.
It was ugly to watch, and one of the worst fights on the card. Devin Haney’s clash against Jose Ramirez took the honors as the most unwatchable fight.
LOOKING FOR a NEW JOB. #HireMe
My son Teofimo Liam needs new goggles 🥽 and a new spearfish gun! @WWE @adinross @officialdwts @JABBAWOCKEEZ @fluffyguy @magicmikemovie @netflix @peacock @Olympics @OfficialNocta @Cobratate pic.twitter.com/4tu91FB7Gm— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) May 27, 2025
I just got fired, guys. #Boxing
However, before things get better, bad things must happen first! #Resurrection
— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) May 28, 2025