A majority decision over Rolando Romero at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas gave Lopez the belt. His steady pressure, jab and body work earned scores of 116-112 and 115-113, while the third judge returned a 114-114 card.
Watching from outside the ring, Catterall made his opinion clear on social media.
“I beat either of these pair no doubt in my mind,” said Catterall on X about Teofimo and Rolly.
That confidence is not difficult to understand after Lopez’s welterweight debut. Romero spent long stretches moving backward and waiting for one power counter. His low output allowed Lopez to win rounds through activity without producing a dominant offensive performance.
When Romero finally attacked in the fifth, he hurt Teofimo with a left hand and opened a cut over his right eyebrow. Lopez recovered and regained control, but he never seriously hurt Romero despite landing the cleaner punches for much of the fight.
A more difficult test comes from Catterall. The British southpaw will not concede as many quiet rounds. His timing, counters and disciplined defense can disrupt Teofimo’s lead hand and force him to reset before attacking. He also has the patience to punish the wide punches Teofimo throws when he becomes frustrated.
The WBA ordered its Super champion to face the winner of Jack Catterall vs. Shakhram Giyasov within 180 days of their May 23 bout. Catterall won that fight and holds the secondary WBA welterweight title, placing him next in line for a consolidation bout. The period ends on November 19, although the WBA has not issued a new public order naming Lopez since he defeated Romero. The original WBA ruling established the timetable.
The cut over Lopez’s right eyebrow may delay the consolidation fight. November 19 is less than three months away, leaving limited time for the wound to heal before he resumes sparring and completes another camp. His team can request a medical extension if contact training places the cut at risk of reopening. Any added time would only postpone the obligation unless Catterall accepts a step-aside agreement or the WBA grants Lopez permission to take another fight. That delay may allow Lopez’s team to pursue Garcia, Benn or Haney.
Less money and greater risk make Catterall an opponent Teofimo has little reason to welcome. Based on Saturday’s performance, Lopez will need more than steady pressure and a busy jab against a disciplined southpaw who will make him pay for every mistake.
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