Both Josh Taylor and Teofimo Lopez are set to make a statement at the other’s expense this weekend, with each fighter entering New York City following a controversial victory.
The unbeaten Taylor, 32, last retained his undisputed super-lightweight title against Jack Catterall in Glasgow 15 months ago. Most fans and pundits believed Taylor was beaten, however, the Scotsman later vacated two of his belts and lost another when he attempted a rematch with Catterall.
That fight fell through earlier this year, however, leading to this weekend’s main event, in which Taylor defends his remaining title — the WBO belt — against former lightweight champion Lopez.
Lopez, 25, captured the unified lightweight belts from Vasily Lomachenko in 2020 but lost them to American George Camposos Jr. in 2021. He then went on to score back-to-back victories at super lightweight, stopping Pedro. Campa in August and Sandor Martin in December arguably the best.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is that?
The fight will take place on Saturday, June 10 at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The main card begins at 1am BST on Sunday, June 11 (5pm PT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET). The ring walk for the main event is expected to take place at around 4am BST (8pm PT, 10pm CT, 11pm ET).
How can I see?
In the US, the event will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN+. In the UK, Sky Sports will broadcast the fights.
Sky Sports subscribers can watch the event live on TV, on the broadcaster’s website and on the Sky Go app.
opportunities
Josh Taylor scored a controversial split decision win over Jack Catterall
(Action footage via Reuters)
Taylor – 8/13
Lopez – 8/11
Tie – 12/1
Full Card (more fights to be confirmed)
Josh Taylor (c) vs. Teofimo Lopez (WBO super lightweight title)
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