Teofimo Lopez Jr. is a multi-time world champion. His father introduced him to boxing at a very early age and began training him. After a successful amateur career, Lopez looked to represent the United States at the Olympics. Despite winning the US Olympic trials, Lopez could not represent the US since Carlos Balderas had already secured the sole entry for the lightweight spot on the team.
After a crushing end to his dreams, Lopez was then able to qualify for the Honduran Team and represent Honduras at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Lopez lost to eventual Silver Medalist Sofiane Oumiha. Ahead of his next fight against Arnold Barboza Jr., let’s take a look at Teofimo Lopez’s nationality and ethnicity.
Where is Teofimo Lopez from? Ethnicity and Nationality
Teofimo Lopez Jr. was born to Honduran parents that later immigrated to New York to settle down. His ethnicity isn’t officially stated. Since moving to New York, from the age of 6, his father taught him how to box, not knowing that one day he would be one of the best fighters in the world. According to this, the light welterweight champion is of mixed European and indigenous ancestry, like most people of Honduras. However, Lopez also has some amount of Spanish DNA!
In an interview 2 years ago, Lopez revealed about his Spanish heritage. According to the boxing champ, his great grandfather was from Spain. Moreover, this is the reason behind his unique name. “Teofimo is an interesting name though at the same time as I said, it is bred from Spain, my great grandfather,” he said. “So, I am Spain and Honduran,” he said, confirming his exact ancestry.
What religion does Teofimo Lopez Jr. follow?
Teofimo Lopez Jr. is a devout Christian. Moreover, the boxing champ has consistently emphasized his faith throughout his boxing career. Lopez often attributes his success and resilience to his belief in God, stating, “God gave me a gift inside the ring and it’s my job to give that gift back outside the ring and be a people’s champ” . In interviews, he has likened his personal and professional challenges to biblical scripture, expressing confidence that his faith will guide him through adversity .
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 17: In this handout image provided by Top Rank, Vasiliy Lomachenko punches Teofimo Lopez Jr in their Lightweight World Title bout at MGM Grand Las Vegas Conference Center on October 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images)
He is a tough New Yorker and does have American citizenship to his name. Therefore, he is American by nationality. It was only when they did not give him his ticket to the Olympic Games, despite winning the Olympic trials, that Lopez decided to represent Honduras in the Olympics. Can he get the job done in his next fight? Comment your thoughts below.
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