Teofimo Lopez Moves to Welterweight, Keeps Father as Trainer

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Teofimo Lopez is moving up to welterweight after his loss to Shakur Stevenson, choosing to leave junior welterweight behind and pursue a title at 147 pounds. According to Lance Pugmire of BoxingScene, Lopez will enter the division while keeping his father, Teofimo Lopez Sr., as his head trainer.

The decision follows Lopez’s unanimous decision defeat to Stevenson on January 31 at Madison Square Garden, where he was outboxed over twelve rounds. Rather than remain at 140 pounds and wait for another shot, Lopez has turned his attention to a third weight class in search of a new title opportunity.

Lopez has spent his entire professional career with his father directing him from the corner. Together, they guided his rise from prospect to unified lightweight champion and later to a title at junior welterweight. Despite outside calls for change after the Stevenson loss, Lopez chose to keep the same trainer who oversaw his biggest victories.

Before facing Stevenson, Lopez rebuilt his standing with wins over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor. Both performances showed his ability to compete at championship level under his father’s guidance, reinforcing his decision to maintain that partnership as he moves forward.

Fighters at 147 are stronger in close range and harder to discourage with single shots. Lopez had already won titles in two divisions, but moving up again places him against opponents who have spent their careers at the heavier weight.

Champions in the division include Mario Barrios, Rolando Romero, Lewis Crocker, and Devin Haney, offering several possible routes if Lopez secures a win. His arrival adds another former champion to a weight class packed with belt holders and seasoned names who have been living at 147 for years.

Lopez now steps into rounds where size and strength are not something you can neutralize with quick hands and reflexes alone. He built his run on timing, sharp counters, and letting his combinations go when he set his feet. At welterweight, those openings close quicker and the return fire carries more power.