Jack Catterall Demands His Turn Against Teofimo Lopez

Jack Catterall is insisting that his title fight against Teofimo Lopez must take place next as the October 22 negotiation deadline nears. Lopez is seeking to overturn the WBA's order to fight Catterall in hopes of pursuing commercially larger bouts. Lopez's manager Keith Connolly left the situation uncertain on social media, simply stating, "Let's see how it all plays out."

Under WBA rules, former super champion Rolando Romero was granted an optional defense with the obligation that the winner face Catterall following his victory over Shakhram Giyasov. Lopez inherited that mandatory commitment after defeating Romero on August 22. If both sides fail to reach an agreement by October 22, the WBA Championship Committee could order a purse bid.