Teofimo Lopez exposes Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing reality: Is it really bad for boxing?
Teofimo Lopez has openly criticized Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, questioning whether the promotion’s long-term vision could hurt the sport’s traditional championship system. Speaking on Ariel Helwani’s show, the former two-division world champion explained why he chose not to become involved with the UFC boss’ boxing venture despite its growing influence.
Lopez didn’t hold back when discussing his concerns.
“I DON’T REALLY LIKE ASSOCIATING AND TALKING ABOUT ZUFFA FIGHTERS.”
He then explained why he believes Zuffa Boxing’s plans could change the sport in a way he doesn’t support.
“ZUFFA WANTS TO GET RID OF ALL THE SANCTIONING BODY BELTS WITHIN A GRASP OF 10 YEARS, AND I THINK THAT DEFEATS THE PURPOSE OF WHAT I’VE ALWAYS AIMED FOR, WHICH WAS UNDISPUTED.”
The 28-year-old added that his decision to sign directly with DAZN was influenced by concerns over protecting his career if major changes arrive in boxing.
“I THINK THAT IT’S A DISSERVICE, AND THAT’S WHY I TRUSTED MY GUT AND WENT DIRECTLY WITH DAZN… IT PROTECTS ME IN CASE THEY PASS THIS BILL SOON FOR THE REVIVAL ACT.”
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Why Teofimo Lopez’s opinion carries weight
Lopez’s comments carry weight because he has already built one of boxing’s most impressive resumes. The New York-born fighter won his first world title by stopping Richard Commey to claim the IBF lightweight belt before defeating Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020 to unify three lightweight world championships. He later became a two-division champion by beating Josh Taylor for the WBO super lightweight title in 2023.
With a professional record of 22-2 and 13 knockouts, Lopez is now preparing for a move to welterweight, where he is set to challenge Rolly Romero for the WBA title. While Zuffa Boxing promises a UFC-style overhaul of the sport, Lopez has made it clear that chasing undisputed glory remains his priority over joining Dana White’s ambitious new boxing project.
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