Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is keen on organizing a fight between Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez if Haney decides to vacate his WBC light welterweight title instead of defending it against mandatory challenger Sandor Martin. Arum's Top Rank recently won the purse bid for Haney-Martin with a $2.42 million bid, but Haney's apparent dissatisfaction with the bid has raised questions about whether the fight will proceed as planned.
Arum told Fighthype that he would like to arrange a Teofimo vs. Haney fight, highlighting the matchup's potential to draw considerable attention and revenue. A Haney vs. Lopez bout would be a high-profile event, likely taking place in a major boxing hub like New York. However, Haney might be cautious about facing Lopez, given the latter's controversial victories over Jamaine Ortiz and Sandor Martin.
Fighting Lopez in New York could pose additional challenges with local judging potentially favoring Lopez, as seen in his contentious win against Vasily Lomachenko. Haney needs to weigh his options carefully, considering the risks and rewards of each potential fight. A move up to welterweight to face Barrios might offer a lucrative opportunity, but it also presents its own set of challenges.
Watch 8 MINUTES OF TEOFIMO LOPEZ HIGHLIGHTS: Watch
Ultimately, the decision lies with Haney. Arum acknowledges that Haney must make his own choice, emphasizing that as long as he remains honest about his reasons, it will be respected. The potential clash between Haney and Lopez promises to be a significant event with major implications for both fighters and the light welterweight division.
Read more about Haney vs. Martin won bid by Top Rank.
Image Credit: Top Rank