Teofimo vs Loma: ... Who ya got?

[Master]

Vasyl Lomachenko explains hotel confrontation with Teofimo Lopez’s ‘drunk’ father which started rivalry two years ago

Over the past two years, Teofimo Lopez and his father have made every effort to get under the skin of Vasyl Lomachenko.

The lightweights finally meet in a world title unification fight this Saturday – a fight that has been called on by the Lopez family ever since a confrontation at the Stewart Hotel in New York two years ago.

On the weekend that Lomachenko unified his WBA and WBO titles by defeating Jose Pedraza, Lopez fought on his undercard.

The young American moved to 11-0 by beating Mason Menard, but his father took the opportunity to sow the seeds for a future clash.

“I was by the lobby just hanging out and I see Lomachenko coming through,” he told ESPN.

“I’d never introduced myself to him so I said to him, ‘Hey, how are you doing?’

“I shake his hand and he just like ignored me.

“I’m from the streets, man, and I know when somebody doesn’t like you. So I just turned around and I went back to him.

“I said, ‘Hey man, you know what? We’re gonna take over the show and then my son is coming back to break your neck.’

“That’s when everything started.

“From that point on it was war with Loma.”

Lomachenko confirmed the incident, claiming Lopez Sr was ‘drunk’ at the time.

The usually respectful Ukrainian has had to endure two years of trash talk since, and is waiting for his opportunity to silence the Lopez family on Saturday.

Loma gave his side of the story: “I was waiting by the elevator, he wasn’t sober.

“He was like, ‘My son is coming after you, he’ll blow your head off.’

“And I was like, ‘Okay, bring him over here.’

“He was walking in my direction. They [his friends] grabbed him by the arms and they apologised, saying, ‘Sorry, sorry,’ as they took him away.

“This was our first meeting. After that moment, he started to believe that they would become world champion.

“They started to promote their brand at the expense of my name by constantly mentioning me in their statements…

“I think it was very stupid, it’s not intelligent, it’s not smart.

“You are a grown man, you are a father, what are you doing?

“Of course when I’m fighting with him, I’ll remember what he did.”

https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/7...imo-lopez-dad/

[Master]

Vasyl Lomachenko breaks through social distancing barrier to get in Teofimo Lopez’s face at weigh-in ahead of fight

Vasyl Lomachenko broke COVID-19 protocols so he could get a proper look into the eyes of Teofimo Lopez before their super fight on Saturday night.

After Friday’s weigh-in, the unified lightweight champion strolled through the social distancing barrier to get up close and personal with his opponent for an intense face-off.

Lopez appeared unfazed by the move and stood stoically glaring back at Lomachenko.

The fighters were eventually separated and now won’t see each other again until they share the ring.

As for the weigh-in itself, Lopez stepped onto the scales first and was as good as his word, coming in bang on the lightweight limit at 135lbs.

There had been some speculation the young American will soon move up a division, but he’s stayed put for the time being and remained professional by making weight.

Loma followed up and also weighed exactly 135lbs.

The weight cut will have been far less stressful for the three-division champion who is smaller and currently fighting above his natural weight.

Lopez and his father/trainer Teofimo Sr have both been trash talking the respectful Loma for several years and have now finally secured the fight they have been calling for.

Lomachenko has said multiple times he intends to make the 23-year-old pay for his words when they meet in the ring.

Prior to that though, they came face-to-face earlier this week at a presser.

Noticeably, every time Lopez spoke, Loma glared at him across the room and clips of this have since gone viral on social media.

The youngster largely avoided eye contact with the elder champion, prompting some observers to brand him ‘nervous’ on the big stage.

In truth, Lopez will have the opportunity to answer all these questions and silence his doubters when he steps into the ring with Lomachenko on Saturday night.

During one segment of the press conference though, they played a video of Lopez and his father’s trash talk for Loma to watch.

He responded stoically: “Saturday. Saturday, we will see.”

https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/7...in-next-fight/

[Beanz]

There is no option in the poll for Loma by KO, just TKO.

Loma by highlight reel spectacular KO.

[mrbig1]

Lopez also has one punch KO power. Should be fun.

[powerpuncher]

I think what I tend to forget is that Lopez had a pretty decorated amateur career. He also isn’t that young. He is 23 which isn’t that bad. It’s not like he’s 20. He just doesn’t have that many professional fights (same as Loma though).

So I am thinking that Loma will win but I believe that Lopez will definitely give him problems because of his style and power. Unfortunately for Lopez, Loma has superb skills so I think he will be able to adapt better. I’m thinking the scores will range from the 115-113 to 117-111 area with Loma getting the best of Lopez.

Basically no outcome would completely shock me other than Lopez just completely dominating Loma. I would put my money on Loma but I want Lopez to win.

[TonnnnUK]

Finally decided that Loma's experience and ring craft will see him through this.

Also got a feeling Lopez might be prone to cuts, but he's just never been caught flush or enough to do that damage yet. Loma will pick him apart and possibly open up some damaging cuts.

Most likely a UD for Loma.

[mrbig1]

Does Lama have the power at lightweight to do any real damage against a big lightweight?. As I've said Lopez is a very good counter puncher with power.