Haney Calls Out Teofimo for “Racist Remarks,” But Turki Alalshikh’s Plans Point to Ennis and a Garcia Rematch

Devin Haney posted on X today, saying he’s “tired” of Teofimo Lopez and his “racist remarks.” He’s asked Turki Alalshikh to make the fight happen between them. Haney wants to put Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) in his place.

(Credit: Matchroom)

Unfortunately for Haney (32-0, 15 KO), that won’t happen soon. Turki already has plans for Lopez to challenge Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis for his IBF and WBA welterweight titles. That matchup will likely happen unless Boots vetoes the idea due to his still-uncompleted goal of becoming undisputed champion at 147.

During Thursday’s press conference, Turki mentioned that he’s interested in making the rematch between Devin and Ryan Garcia. Given how poorly both fighters fought on the May 2nd card, it would be risky for Turki to delay the Garcia-Haney rematch.

Lopez: Too Dangerous for Haney?

Letting Devin fight Teofimo next would be a bad idea. Lopez hits too hard and would either knock out Haney or make him look bad, like he did to Arnold Barboza Jr. and Josh Taylor. Lopez has too much talent for Haney, and he would beat him and mess up his plans for a rematch with Ryan.

Teofimo angered many people with his recent remark during a workout with his father. He complained about Terence Crawford not wanting to fight him, saying, “Where is that [N-word] at?” Lopez likely used a racial slur to anger Crawford enough to make him want to fight him. That approach won’t work.

Crawford is focused on getting the best-paying fights he can with the little time left in his career, and Teofimo isn’t anywhere near a big enough payday for him to be tempted. Canelo Alvarez, David Benavidez, Artur Beterbiev, Dmitry Bivol, and Jaron Ennis are the money fights for Crawford.

Haney needs to stick with the Garcia rematch. If that doesn’t happen next, he should take on another old veteran and ensure he doesn’t move as much as he did during his clash against Ramirez.