Lopez beats Romero then snubs Catterall fight

American boxer Teofimo Lopez achieved a significant milestone Saturday, becoming a three-weight world champion by defeating Rolando Romero for the WBA 'Super' welterweight title in Las Vegas. Lopez secured the victory via a majority decision at the T-Mobile Arena.

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September 12th, right? So, you got Ryan Garcia versus Conor Benn. That's the next one. We'll see what happens there. If Conor wins, it's a great fight to take across the pond [the Atlantic ocean].

Having previously held world titles in the lightweight and light-welterweight divisions, Lopez's win adds another championship belt to his impressive record. However, the 29-year-old surprised many by not calling out fellow Briton Jack Catterall, who holds the WBA 'Regular' belt and is next in line.

Instead, Lopez indicated his preference for facing the winner of the upcoming WBC title fight between Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn, or potentially unifying titles with Australia's IBF champion Liam Paro. "September 12th, right?" Lopez inquired, referring to the Garcia-Benn bout. "So, you got Ryan Garcia versus Conor Benn. That's the next one. We'll see what happens there. If Conor wins, it's a great fight to take across the pond [the Atlantic ocean]."

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I think I'd rather wait for Devin [Haney] at the end. So, it'll either be Liam Paro next or the winner out of Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn.

Lopez also mentioned Devin Haney, the WBO champion, as a potential future opponent. "I think I'd rather wait for Devin [Haney] at the end. So, it'll either be Liam Paro next or the winner out of Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn," he stated. Catterall quickly responded on social media, posting, "Congratulations Teofimo Lopez but I will be taking that belt 100%. Let's Gooo."

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Congratulations Teofimo Lopez but I will be taking that belt 100%. Let's Gooo.