Bob Arum responds to Teofimo Lopez after claims that Prime Rank contract is ‘invalid’

The famend boxer and present WBO junior welterweight champion, Teofimo Lopez, has sparked controversy in his relationship with Prime Rank, the promotional firm that has managed his profession. Based on sources near ESPN, the fighter despatched a authorized letter to the promoter on Thursday, claiming that his promotional settlement is invalid and that he ought to be thought-about a free agent.

Lopez, 27, with a report of 21 wins and 13 knockouts, signed a contract extension with Prime Rank earlier than his bout towards Sandor Martin in December 2022. This struggle, which led to Lopez’s victory, has develop into the middle of the contractual dispute. Based on sources, the contract indicated that the extension would solely be efficient if Lopez defeated José Pedraza. Nevertheless, Pedraza was changed by Martin on account of an harm, main Lopez’s crew to query the validity of the extension.

Prime Rank, for its half, has maintained that the modification is legitimate regardless of the last-minute opponent change. Sources near the promoter declare that Lopez accepted in writing that the modification was nonetheless in impact. Amid the controversy, Prime Rank has declined to make an official touch upon the matter, whereas Lopez has not responded to the media.

Nevertheless, Prime Rank additionally argues that the promotional settlement with Lopez contains a number of further fights. Based on the identical sources, there are a number of extensions activated independently of the talked about modification. Considered one of these stipulations states that if Lopez gained one other title, his contract can be routinely prolonged, which occurred after his victory over Josh Taylor in June 2023.

Teofimo Lopez’s place and his retirement

After his win towards Taylor, Lopez shocked the boxing group by saying his non permanent retirement, a choice that, in response to his authorized crew, ought to nullify any contractual extension. Nevertheless, his retirement has not been formally acknowledged by Prime Rank, which continues so as to add time to the contract because of the fighter’s inactivity.

Lopez had been scheduled to face former champion José Ramírez in December 2023 in New York. Nevertheless, so far, no struggle has been confirmed. Prime Rank views Lopez’s inactivity as one other issue that might delay the size of his contract, along with the title victory and the non permanent retirement.

The influential president of Prime Rank, Bob Arum, has expressed his frustration with Lopez on a number of events.

In a latest assertion, Bob Arum mentioned: “Teofimo generally acts like he has a screw unfastened. I like the child, however I can’t determine him out, and he makes no logical sense.” Arum claimed that the boxer signed a contract extension each earlier than and after the struggle towards Martin. Based on Bob Arum, Lopez is likely to be displaying his authorized crew the incorrect contract, inflicting pointless confusion.

“Coping with Teofimo is like coping with Alice in Wonderland,” Bob Arum added, referring to the unpredictable habits of the boxer in latest months. Regardless of the tensions, each events are working to resolve the authorized battle, though no settlement or dates have been confirmed for Lopez’s return to the ring.