Josh Taylor vs Teofimo Lopez

[TIC]

jamaine has signed with top rank & will return on this card

[Master]

Teofimo Lopez has caused controversy among boxing fans on social media with his latest comments ahead of his fight vs Josh Taylor.

The former WBA, WBC 'franchise' IBF and WBO lightweight world champion is now up at super-lightweight and set for a world title shot in his new division on June 10th.

Champion Taylor previously held all four belts, but now just owns the WBO crown following a lengthy period of inactivity in the aftermath of his controversial win over Jack Catterall last year.

Regardless, the Lopez fight is highly anticipated by boxing fans, with the young challenger seemingly trying to up the stakes further in his latest interview.

Lopez caused outrage as he told Punsh Drunk Boxing: “No-one felt sorry for me when I was in the ICU after my fight [vs George Kambosos Jr].

"No-one said, 'Teofimo, wish you well, hope you're good.' No-one wrote to me.

"This is a kill or be killed sport. I mean someone just passed away [on] May 6th, a kid 22 years old just passed away.

"And I said it like it is, I wanna kill Josh Taylor.

"What the f*** does that mean? People are like, ‘Let’s get back to boxing.’ But that is boxing. That is what we sign up for.

"You’re probably going to lose your life. What does that mean?

"I mean if I’mma die in that ring, at least I'd die with some dignity and some integrity. I went out there like a warrior and the champs that we are.

"That’s what I know. That’s what I sign up for. Boxing today is the gladiator days back then.

"A lot of people don’t know that because they don’t know boxing.”

Lopez continued: “When I fought Vasyl Lomachenko, I took his heart.

“Taylor's got no heart, so what can I really take from this man? His life.

"The only way I’mma make a statement is by doing that.

"I’m not sorry about that.

"How do I scare people more than ever? Take a man's life."

As always when a fighter makes such comments, there has been backlash from boxing fans on social media.

One reacted by saying: "Such a tremendous fall from grace for Teo. Anyone talking about killing someone in the ring is a clown.

While a second replied: "What an idiotic statement."

https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/1...g-josh-taylor/

[TIC]

[Master]

"The way I think he's going to fight, we'll put him out of there early," Taylor told Sky Sports. "But if it goes the other way, which I think it might do as well, it'll be a boxing match, a clever boxing match but nothing that I'm going to be surprised with.

"I've watched him quite a bit in the lead up to this fight and I think I know what I'm expecting. But whatever he brings, I'm more than ready for.

"Having said that, the fighter that beat Lomachenko is the version of Teofimo Lopez that I'm preparing for; a very good fighter."

This will be Taylor's first fight with new trainer Joe McNally but the Scotsman is certain he will recover his best form after his contentious victory over Jack Catterall last time out.

"I've got - I've said it so many times - my mojo back. I feel like I've got it back. I just feel like I'm back to my old chirpy self. The way I was before in the lead up to the [Regis] Prograis fight. I feel I'm back to that kind of mentality. That sort of form as well," Taylor said.

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/boxi...4f765f15&ei=14

[TIC]

[Ron Swanson]

None of my favorite TR undercard fighters are on this, anyone I should be looking forward to on this card, a particular fight or fighter?

[Master]

Taylor likes his presents which are blue trainer's left in his dressing room.

[Spicoli]

None of my favorite TR undercard fighters are on this, anyone I should be looking forward to on this card, a particular fight or fighter?

Xander Zayas at 154 is promising. Gets a decent spot vs Ronald Cruz tonight. Looks like they're trying to fast track him, kid has the charisma and talent but unfortunately has already had a couple fights fall out due to injury.

Bruce Shu Shu Carrington fought earlier. Real early but love his sharp shooting fluidity. Very composed.