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Teofimo Lopez Has No Escape, Eddie Hearn Insists

Eddie Hearn is shutting down any talk of Teofimo Lopez bypassing Jack Catterall. In Hearn’s view, the WBA already granted its single pass, meaning Catterall is next in line for…

East Side Boxing

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 3:19 AM

Key Things to Know

Eddie Hearn insists Teofimo Lopez must honor a binding agreement to defend his WBA title against Jack Catterall.
Hearn stated that Jack Catterall refused all step-aside money to ensure he receives his guaranteed championship opportunity.
The writer argues that Lopez may vacate the belt rather than face Catterall, due to low commercial incentive.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Promoter Eddie Hearn is insisting that Teofimo Lopez must fight mandatory challenger Jack Catterall next for the WBA welterweight title. According to Hearn, a legally binding sanctioning body agreement mandated that the winner of Lopez's bout against Rolando Romero face Catterall immediately, leaving Lopez no room to bypass the contender for other bouts.

Hearn stated that Catterall has refused any step-aside offers, dismissing distractions like a potential matchup involving Ryan Garcia. However, the Boxing 24/7 Wire writer argues that Lopez may prefer to vacate the belt rather than accept a high-risk bout against Catterall.

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Teofimo Lopez Has No Escape, Eddie Hearn Insists

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