That opening came after Richardson Hitchins moved on from the title and shifted his focus to Zuffa Boxing’s welterweight plans. The IBF then began sorting through its rankings to find the next available opponent for top-ranked contender Delgado (24-0, 16 KOs), a 31-year-old from Mexico who has not fought since November.
Oscar Duarte and Keyshawn Davis were both ahead of Lopez in the wider discussion, but each already has a fight booked in May. That left Lopez (22-2, 13 KOs), who is ranked #5 by the IBF, in position to get the call.
Lopez last fought on January 31, when he lost a wide decision to Shakur Stevenson for the WBO junior welterweight title at Madison Square Garden in New York. After that defeat, Teofimo said he was looking at a move to 147. That route still looks uncertain, though, especially with WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia showing interest in a first defense against Conor Benn instead.
Just when it looked like Teofimo was heading into the uncertainty of 147, the IBF practically handed him a lifeline. It is a golden opportunity in terms of rankings, but risky.
Delgado is unbeaten, technically sound, and hungry, but he doesn’t bring the marquee name or the massive gate that Teofimo usually looks for.
Getting a title shot immediately after a lopsided loss to Shakur Stevenson in January is going to draw massive criticism. If Teofimo struggles at all with Delgado, the narrative that he is a fading force will only get louder.
Moving from a Madison Square Garden headliner against Shakur to an IBF vacant title fight against Delgado is a significant step down in terms of pure commercial value.
According to BoxingScene, Lopez’s co-manager, Michael Borao, said the IBF contacted him on Tuesday about the Delgado opportunity. Borao added that he and Keith Connolly expect to speak with Lopez about his next move by next week.
The Ring was first to report that Lopez had entered the IBF title picture.
If Teofimo passes, the IBF is already looking at Arthur Biyarslanov (#6) to step in. Biyarslanov is coming off that win over Sergey Lipinets and would likely jump at the chance.
It feels like Teofimo is caught between taking a business fight that keeps him as a champion or chasing the glory (and money) at 147 that might not be ready for him yet.
