Teofimo Lopez moves up to welterweight, says father trainer

Click here to watch Ryan Garcia Mario Barrios LIVE!

Teofimo Lopez moves up to welterweight after his loss to Shakur Stevenson, opting to leave junior welterweight behind and pursue a title at 147 pounds. According to Lance Pugmire of BoxingScenewill Lopez enter the division while retaining his father, Teofimo Lopez Sr., as his head coach.

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

Lopez spent his entire professional career with his father guiding him away from the corner. Together they led 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 opted to keep the same coach who oversaw his greatest victories.

Before facing Stevenson, Lopez rebuilt his position with wins over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor. Both performances showed his ability to compete at a championship level under his father’s tutelage, reinforcing his resolve to maintain that partnership moving forward.

Fighters at 147 are stronger at close range and harder to discourage with single shots. Lopez has already won titles in two divisions, but moving up again pits 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, providing several possible routes if Lopez secures a win. His arrival adds another former champion to a weight class full of belt holders and seasoned names that have lived at 147 for years.

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