Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has identified Teofimo Lopez’s next opponent as he makes the jump from lightweight to junior welterweight. During a recent media session, Arum told reporters that Lopez could fight Jose Pedraza in the new year.
“Teofimo is recovering from a lung condition brought on by losing weight, and he wants to go to 140,” Arum told Fight Hub TV.
“Jose Pedraza, who was next to me, is fighting [Jose] Ramirez, and win or lose, he could be a great opponent for Teofimo.”
Before Lopez returns to the ring, he must be cleared to fight by the Cleveland Clinic. According to Boxing News 24, Lopez sustained damage to his lungs and esophagus while preparing for his last fight against George Kambosos Jr. on November 27.
Despite the injuries, Lopez entered the ring at Madison Square Garden last month and suffered his first defeat. After the loss, Lopez announced that he would move up to the 140-pound division.
“I’ve been feeling this for two years now,” Lopez told DAZN‘s Chris Mannix after losing to Kambosos.
“I stood here when I should’ve just dropped the fights like everybody else did when they won all the belts.”
