Teofimo vs. Garcia in May? “Let the Games Begin!”

Teofimo Lopez hinted on X that he’s the next opponent for Ryan Garcia for his fight in May.

Turki Al-Sheikh posted a picture of Ryan (24-1, 20 KOs) signing a contract on social media today, saying, “The deal is done. The opponent is set.” Teofimo replied to the post, stating, “Let the games begin.”

Times Square Tune-up

WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo would be Garcia’s opponent for May for a tune-up fight being talked about for Times Square in New York. Haney would also be on the card. One of the options being considered for his warmup fight is former unified 140-lb champion Jose Ramirez.

Fighting Teo is a crazy move on Ryan’s part because he’s a better fighter than Haney and, due to his power, much more dangerous. Lopez has only lost once to George Kambosos Jr., and he’s not shown issues with his chin. You’d have to consider Teofimo as a far more formidable test for Garcia than Haney.

Is This a Mistake for Garcia?

It wouldn’t be surprising if Ryan loses to Lopez because he’s not the type of opponent with whom he can afford to get hit a lot or take rounds off like he did in his recent win over Haney on April 20th.

Teofimo was in London last Saturday for the Ring Awards ceremony, looking like one of the sunglass-wearing nocturnal mutants from the movie, ‘Omega Man.’ He looked ghoulish and out of place at the awards. Teo probably thought he looked cool, but he resembled a plague mutant.

Garcia’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, already said last Saturday that Teofimo (21-1, 13 KOs) that he wanted next for Ryan, not Devin Haney. Ryan is still going to fight Devin in a rematch in October. That’s the part of the three-fight deal that Garcia reportedly inked for Turki. De La Hoya feels that Ryan fighting Haney again is a waste of time, but Turki obviously feels differently.