“I think he should start with a therapist or sports psychologist,” Edwards told his readers in his mailbag at Boxingscene. “I say that with respect.”
Lopez defeated Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020, when the Ukrainian was widely regarded as the sport’s pound-for-pound king. Edwards described that win as one of the decade’s best, yet noted the instability that followed.
The decline began in November 2021 with a 12 round split decision loss to George Kambosos Jr. in his first title defense. A move to the 140-lb division the following year brought similar struggles against Sandor Martin. Those problems surfaced in 2024 against Jamaine Ortiz. That dominant win over Josh Taylor looked like a return to form, but the guy struggled back in his next few fights.
Edwards said Lopez’s inability to adjust during fights stood out more than any single technical error. He noted that Lopez tends to perform at one extreme or another. He either controls the fight or fails to find solutions once early plans fall apart.
“Either he’s on fire all night, or he’s struggling all night,” Edwards said. “He doesn’t start struggling, figure out his opponent and then go on to victory.”
Edwards also pointed to structural challenges related to Lopez’s position. His physical dimensions can make it more difficult to consistently apply pressure against taller opponents. However, these problems were secondary to the mental demands placed on any coach trying to stabilize Lopez’s performance.
“If Teo does decide to move on to a new coach, that coach will really have his work cut out,” Edwards said.
Teofimo remains one of boxing’s most gifted fighters. Edwards’ comments suggest that the challenge ahead involves rebuilding his confidence as much as refining his technique. Consistency, it seems, is the first priority.
