By Norm Frauenheim
Teofimo Lopez is coming off a one-sided loss with a rich new deal that coincides with a move upscale and a primetime birthday.
Call it a bet.
DAZN signed Lopez to a $20-million, multi-fight contract before his bid for a third divisional title at welterweight against Rolly Romero August 22 and after he turned 29 years old on July 30.
The timing, double-edged, is intriguing for his potential on one side and risky for his past on the other.
The risk: Lopez’ loss to Shakur Stevenson, who delivered a masterpiece –119-109 on all three scorecards – the last time we saw Lopez on January 31 at Madison Square Garden. Lopez never had a chance, yet DAZN invested in him anyway.
The potential: Lopez displayed newfound maturity in a realistic acceptance of the loss to Stevenson. At 29, fighters mature, physically and personally. After a couple of troubling meltdowns earlier in his career, a grown-up Lopez might be poised to fulfill his evident potential as he enters his prime at 147 pounds.
Perhaps wiser, Lopez still has the edgy confidence of the younger man. He’s the first to sign a unique deal with DAZN. More are expected to follow.
“The Zone has started with The Takeover,’’ Lopez said, jumping at the chance to mention his nickname – also the name of his promotional company, during a media workout in Los Angeles about 10 days before opening bell at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
Lopez is favored to take the World Boxing Association welterweight belt from Romero, a friend who took the title from Ryan Garcia in a notable upset.
If the odds are accurate, it’s the beginning of a lucrative second chapter for Lopez, known for victories over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, yet also remembered for a loss he would not accept against George Kambosos Jr..
When asked why he signed with DAZN, Lopez was quick to answer:
“It was a no-brainer.’’
Garcia looms as possibility for the winner, either against Lopez in a fight of two known names or against Romero in a rematch. Garcia — almost a 4-to-1 favorite, according to some books — is expected to beat Conor Benn on Sept. 12, also at T- Mobile.
