Teofimo Lopez claims Ryan Garcia initially wanted to fight him before accepting a September 12 bout against Conor Benn. Lopez, who faces WBA welterweight champion Rolando Romero on August 22, believes promoter influences directed Garcia toward the Benn matchup instead.
Garcia is scheduled to meet Benn at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on September 12, but Lopez insists that fixture was arranged due to promotional ties rather than Garcia’s original target. Speaking to Fighthype regarding the matchmaking process, Lopez explained the dynamics that shaped the eventual agreement. He stated: “Conor and Ryan are fighting because it’s a Turki thing. Turki pushed that fight,” before adding, “It wasn’t something that Ryan wanted. Ryan wanted to fight me, but, you know, it’s a business at the same time.”
Garcia has since publicly identified Lopez among his preferred future opponents, alongside Rolando Romero and Shakur Stevenson. That interest confirms potential for a matchup down the line, though it remains unclear how close Garcia and Lopez came to finalizing terms. For now, Lopez must clear his own immediate hurdle in the welterweight division. Following a defeat against Stevenson in January, Lopez is making his official 147-pound debut against Romero on August 22 in Las Vegas. Capturing the WBA title would mark his championship success in a third weight division.
Romero already holds a decision victory over Garcia from a previous encounter. Because of that history, an impressive display by Lopez against Romero would strengthen his claim for a high-profile fight against Garcia. Alternatively, a win for Romero would position the champion for a lucrative rematch against Garcia. Lopez maintains that corporate relationships and financial incentives are increasingly determining which major bouts receive official approval. Assessing the current business environment in modern boxing, he observed: “Everybody’s right now more on the money side,” before adding, “Everybody’s associated with somebody. Takeover is on his own with his own.”
With both fixtures scheduled to take place in Las Vegas within three weeks of each other, the welterweight division faces a crucial period. Victories for both Garcia and Lopez would align both fighters at 147 pounds. That outcome would open the door for a major commercial showdown later in the year.
