Footage of Teofimo Lopez alongside Team Canelo recently sparked light buzz within boxing circles. However, news soon emerged that the Brooklyn native won’t be training under Eddy Reynoso ahead of his upcoming title defense against Arnold Barboza Jr. next month. Regardless, Lopez may soon find himself back on one of boxing’s biggest stages. According to new reports, following ‘Fatal Fury,’ Lopez could appear on the September undercard of the blockbuster showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford.
Just a day after Lopez steps into the ring in Times Square, Riyadh will host a historic night of boxing. In a pivotal clash, Canelo Alvarez will face IBF champion William Scull in his first step toward reclaiming the undisputed status. It’s still too early to speculate who Lopez will face in September. However, the magnitude of the Riyadh Season event suggests a marquee name awaits the light welterweight champion, who has made it no secret he’s been calling out top fighters.
Teofimo Lopez may join the Canelo-Crawford party
Boxing enthusiast @Hassanwellss shared an update. It featured a photo of Lopez alongside cropped images of Canelo and Crawford. The caption read, “Teofimo Lopez said he will be on the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford undercard in September”
Teofimo Lopez said he will be on the Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford undercard in September pic.twitter.com/SnF0qul21N
— Hassan (@Hassanwellss) April 5, 2025
To be clear, nothing has been officially confirmed. Still, while some critics might scoff at Lopez going from headlining his own events to appearing on an undercard, context is everything. This isn’t just any fight. Canelo vs. Crawford is shaping up to be one of the most significant showdowns in recent boxing history. To many, it’s comparable to the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout of the last decade.
For Lopez, even an undercard spot on this card could be career-defining. More than the placement, it’s about the stage. The chance to reassert himself and elevate his legacy. After all, this is a fighter who once publicly called out Terence Crawford. If the rumored bout materializes, it would mark a significant bounce-back from recent turbulence surrounding Lopez.
Back in January, during an interview with Punsh Druk Boxing, the world champion said, “I’m going to help Canelo. Canelo’s been a little flat. He needs to be more loose. I’m going to make sure he’s very agile. That’s really going to throw Crawford off a lot.”
‘The Takeover’ and Team Canelo
Much earlier, in November, he shared a photo featuring his father, Lopez Sr., and Eddy Reynoso. “Not but TRAINER OF THE YEAR (Eddie Futch) Award winners in my corner!!!!!” The tweet read.
Not but TRAINER OF THE YEAR (Eddie Futch) Award winners in my corner!!!!!!!!! #BOXING #NoBoxingNoLife #TheTakeover #Champion pic.twitter.com/pk8OmNbOxc
— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) November 22, 2024
However, by March, the narrative shifted. Just days after Ryan Garcia, who headlines the ‘Fatal Fury’ card against Rolando Romero on May 2, announced his return to Derrick James’ camp, Lopez revealed he, too, would be parting ways with Reynoso and training elsewhere. Speaking about the development on Punsh Drunk Boxing, he admitted, “It hurts…but I’m be real with y’ like even though it hurts a little bit cuz I care, I love Canelo and their team.”
Thankfully, it seems the relationships remain amicable. Now, attention turns to what’s next. Will Teofimo Lopez deliver a statement win against Barboza Jr.? And if so, who awaits him on that monumental September stage?
Who do you think Teofimo Lopez should fight next after Barboza Jr.?
The post Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford Undercard Lands a Huge Matchup appeared first on EssentiallySports.
