The World Boxing Organization has ordered super lightweight champion Josh Taylor to fight former undisputed lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez. Both Top Rank fighters are expected to reach an agreement within ten days or the event will go to a purse bid.
“Please be advised that in the wake of the recent postponement of the Josh Taylor/Jack Catterall WBO voluntary title defense, the WBO World Championship Committee is hereby ordering the commencement of negotiations for the Mandatory title defense obligation in the Jr. Welterweight division between Josh Taylor and Teofimo Lopez, Jr.,” WBO Chairman Luis Batista-Salas wrote in a letter obtained by Jake Donovan of Boxing Scene.
“The camps herein are granted 10 days upon issuance of this notice to reach an agreement or purse bid proceedings shall be conducted pursuant to WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.”
Josh Taylor was initially scheduled to fight Jack Catterall this spring, but the bout was postponed indefinitely after Taylor suffered an injury. Now, it appears the two fighters will not share the ring for a second time after Taylor secured a controversial decision victory in February 2022.
Teofimo Lopez has also suffered a few setbacks in recent months. After suffering a life-threatening injury ad enduring the first loss of his career in 2021, Lopez has moved up to super lightweight. The New York native has won both of his fights in the new division, but many onlookers have harshly critiqued his performance. Now, he will step in the next big fight of his young career.
At this time, it is unclear when the fight may take place, but New York, Las Vegas and Scotland have reportedly been mentioned as possible hosts for the bout.
