Teofimo Lopez might be defending titles in the ring, but outside of it, he’s catching heat he didn’t dodge. Fresh off a successful WBO World Super Lightweight title defense against Arnold Barboza Jr. at Fatal Fury in New York, Lopez should be riding high. Instead, he’s trending for all the wrong reasons. A viral clip surfaced showing Lopez making remarks that many fans online found racially insensitive—again. And while he tried to brush off the backlash with a defiant, “I AM so GREAT, of course, the hate is coming. I’m still going to be ‘I’” it’s clear the controversy isn’t slipping through the ropes unnoticed this time.
If you’ve followed Teofimo long enough, you know this isn’t his first round with foot-in-mouth syndrome. Just last year, in an interview with Broadway Joel, Lopez bizarrely likened his potential opponents to monkeys chasing bananas, calling himself a lion who “eats them.” That line didn’t age well—especially when aimed at fighters like Terence Crawford and Gervonta “Tank” Davis. Crawford, never one to mince words, clapped back, calling Lopez a “little kid that’s screaming for attention” and noting the glaring double standard: had he made the same comments, the fallout would’ve been nuclear. And now? Well, it looks like that fallout finally arrived.
And now, here we are again. Another remark, another storm. Only this time, it may actually cost him. According to a recent Instagram post from @aroarboxing, “Teofimo Lopez under fire for controversial remarks toward Terence Crawford! ,” the caption read.
According to the post, “The World Boxing Organization (WBO) is reportedly convening a meeting next week to address recent racial remarks made by WBO Light Welterweight Champion, Teofimo Lopez, toward Terence Crawford. In a viral video, Lopez used a racial slur when referring to Crawford, sparking widespread backlash within the boxing community.“ The fallout has been immediate and fierce, with backlash spreading like wildfire across the boxing world. And while the 27-year-old remains tight-lipped on the matter, the silence is deafening.
The post stated that, “This incident is not the first time Lopez has faced criticism for racially insensitive comments. Previously, he referred to Crawford and Gervonta Davis as “Monkeys,” a term with deeply offensive racial connotations. Crawford responded by highlighting the double standards in the sport, stating that if he or Davis had made similar remarks, they would have faced severe consequences.”
Further adding, “As of now, Lopez has not issued a public apology and has instead labeled his critics as “haters.” The upcoming WBO meeting will likely determine if any disciplinary actions, such as fines or suspension, will be taken against Lopez.” Since the post dropped, fans have zeroed in on the clip like it’s the Zapruder film of boxing controversies. While Teofimo Lopez is allegedly caught using a racial slur toward Terence Crawford, Lopez insists he actually said “liquor,” not that word. However fans are divided.
What happens next when Teofimo Lopez steps into the metaphorical ring with the WBO? Well, your guess is as good as his media training. But if history tells us anything, The Takeover might try to bob and weave around accountability just like last time.
Terence Crawford Talked It Out
The February 22 showdown in Riyadh didn’t only see Dmitry Bivol get his revenge over Artur Beterbiev, but it doubled as the unofficial therapy session Teofimo Lopez didn’t know he needed. The fight card may have featured big names, but the real tension came from the not-so-subtle faceoff between Lopez and Terence Crawford. After months of smack talk and eyebrow-raising comments, Bud didn’t waste a breath. He confronted Teo right before the fight, not with fists—but with facts.
With a fatherly arm slung around Lopez, Terence Crawford calmly asked him to explain those “promotional” remarks. Lopez, looking like a kid caught sneaking snacks before dinner, shrugged and said, “Promotion, baby.” Just like that, the self-declared lion of the division admitted the roaring was mostly for clicks. And to Bud’s credit, he didn’t escalate. He laughed it off and said,“I ain’t gotta f–k him up,”
However, Lopez wasn’t done. “We should spar,” he offered. But it was clear who owned the moment. Even Shakur Stevenson couldn’t help but jump into the comment section with a “Nah ,” speaking for every fan who just watched Teo get verbally tapped out by Bud Crawford. So with that said, will this controversy damage Lopez’s legacy more than any loss in the ring? What do you think is next for him?
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