The Takeover had a profession evening in Miami Seashore on Saturday.
Teofimo Lopez, defended his WBO and Ring Journal junior welterweight titles by unanimous determination in a dominant efficiency over Canadian veteran Steve Claggett on the James L. McKnight Middle. The judges’ scorecards have been 120-108, 120-108, and 119-109 all for Lopez.
“I’m simply very grateful, actually. He’s a tricky fighter. I don’t suppose anybody ought to overlook him,” Lopez mentioned after the battle. “I knew that coming into this. See everyone is speaking about these different fighters that I simply really feel like I’m not considering. I need to battle. Take a look at this, look what we gave the followers out right here.”
Lopez dominated from begin to end, profitable each spherical on two judges’ scorecards and all however one spherical on the third card. Claggett was anticipated to be aggressive and he lived as much as expectations, pressuring Lopez from the beginning.
Lopez responded properly to the strain of Claggett your complete battle although, countering Claggett to perfection. Lopez threw a profession excessive 946 punches and landed a profession excessive 315, in what turned out to be a one-sided outing.
Claggett’s chin largely held robust, however regardless of pushing the tempo all 12 rounds, Lopez was beating Claggett to the punch in nearly each trade.
Lopez talked about a possible transfer as much as welterweight after the battle, stating the load reduce for this battle was troublesome. The extra intriguing fights for Lopez do lie at 140 kilos although, with three completely different champions holding titles.
“To be actual, I’m going to be frank with you guys, I really feel like this weight reduce and all the pieces my physique’s rising and though it would not seem like I can deal with my very own at 147, I imagine I can,” Lopez mentioned within the ring afterwards. “I really imagine I can and I would like these nice champions. Hey, whoever it’s, no matter it’s, ‘The Takeover,’ we do not dodge no person.”
Moreover Lopez, the 140-pound champions embody Issac Cruz, Liam Paro and the just lately elevated Alberto Puello, every doubtlessly intriguing matchups for Lopez if he decides to stay at junior welterweight.
Verify under for reside updates from all through the Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett card.
Teofimo Lopez celebrates win with signature backflip
Teofimo Lopez defeated Steve Claggett by unanimous determination to retain his lineal standing at junior welterweight and his WBO and Ring Journal titles. He celebrated his second protection of the WBO 140-pound title with a signature backflip off the ropes, harking back to Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis’ celebration following his latest win over Frank Martin.
The scorecards have been 120-108, 120-108, and 119-109 all for Lopez in a dominant efficiency.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett reside updates
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Spherical 12
Coming into the ultimate spherical, solely a knockout can win it for Claggett at this level, might very properly be a shutout for Lopez. Lopez has landed a profession excessive 287 photographs to date. Claggett lands just a few robust photographs to open the ultimate spherical. Teofimo discovering some success in the course of the ring, touchdown just a few photographs halfway by way of the spherical. Claggett by no means stopped urgent him, however Lopez shined, throwing a profession excessive in punches in what shall be a snug win for Lopez in his second title protection.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Spherical 11
Into the championship rounds and the battle has grown considerably monotonous. Teofimo cruising to victory as issues stand. Lopez has landed over 250 punches and thrown over 800, each profession highs. Lopez nonetheless unloading combos regardless of preventing on his again foot primarily. Lopez nonetheless simply beating Claggett to the punch, choosing his spots to unload properly and connecting at a excessive price.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Spherical 10
Entire battle has principally gone to the identical tune to date, with Claggett nonstop pressuring Lopez, however Lopez outlanding Claggett on the counter. Both Claggett’s chin is elite, or Lopez simply would not have the identical venom in his photographs as he did at light-weight. It is trying extra so like Claggett’s chin is simply holding as much as some nice photographs from Lopez. Lopez seems effective to let the battle play out because it has been, however finishes the spherical with a pleasant mixture.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Spherical 9
Claggett appeared shaken up for the primary time on the finish of that spherical. Lopez has landed 195 energy punches to date. Teofimo has been digging to the physique when Claggett will get him up in opposition to the ropes, liberating up some house. Lopez is content material to take a seat again and let Claggett come, and it is labored as far as he is discovered numerous success on the counter. Claggett unable to harm Lopez by way of 9.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Spherical 8
Claggett is preventing precisely the way in which he needs to; it is simply not working fairly how he would’ve hoped. Lopez has spent extra time this battle on the ropes than within the middle of the ring it appears, however his timing at shut vary has been nice. Claggett doing simply sufficient to take a few of the sting off a whole lot of Lopez’s connects although. Stress of Claggett resulting in connects, however Teofimo counters with even higher photographs. Lopez buzzes Claggett within the last minute with an uppercut, forcing Claggett to briefly take a step again. Robust end to the spherical for Lopez.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Spherical 7
Thus far, it has been all Lopez in a a lot better outing than we noticed from him in February. Claggett has stood as much as all of Lopez’s photographs properly although. Good proper hand by Lopez contained in the second minute of the spherical. Lopez follows that with a pleasant uppercut however Claggett responds with some photographs of his personal. Lopez only one step forward preventing on the within, one other good spherical for him.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Spherical 6
Lopez is outlanding Claggett 123-67 by way of 5 rounds. Good begin to the spherical for Claggett, who’s avoiding the counters of Lopez properly within the opening minute. Lopez continues to search out methods to land when Claggett opens as much as throw. Claggett will find yourself outthrowing Lopez more than likely, however Lopez is being very sensible with the photographs he does throw and he is nonetheless upped his common output considerably. One other good spherical of countering Claggett’s strain for Lopez.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Spherical 5
Teofimo begins out the spherical touchdown some good photographs whereas backed into the nook. Lopez threw over 100 punches final spherical, the primary time he is accomplished so in his profession. Combat goes how Claggett would need stylistically, Lopez is simply getting the higher of him, touchdown usually whereas beneath the fireplace of Claggett. Lopez punching in between Claggett’s punches rather well to date.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Spherical 4
Teofimo utilizing his legs, however not overly counting on motion, snug standing and countering as properly. Claggett lands when he will get Lopez on the ropes, however is but to essentially faze Lopez with something. Claggett will get tagged with an uppercut to the physique heading into the ultimate minute, stable shot. Lopez snug in there now, robust spherical for him.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Spherical 3
Claggett nonetheless being outlanded, however throwing extra photographs than Lopez. Teofimo trying extra snug on the ropes this spherical, touchdown some stable photographs on the counter within the opening minute. Good uppercut from Lopez halfway by way of will get Claggett’s consideration. Claggett’s spent this complete battle within the face of Lopez, however he is starting to get tagged increasingly more. Good spherical for Lopez, as soon as once more responding properly to Claggett’s strain.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Spherical 2
Lopez outlanded Claggett 16-10 in spherical one, touchdown at the next effectivity too. Lopez unable to push Claggett off of him to date. Lopez smiling within the ring as Claggett promptly lands a jab. Lopez up in opposition to the ropes, however counterpunching properly. Lopez starting to search out his timing, touchdown just a few good photographs within the last minute. Claggett’s strain nonetheless efficient, however higher good spherical countering for the champion.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Spherical 1
Lopez seems in good spirits, as he goals to enhance upon an absence luster outing in opposition to Jamaine Ortiz in February. Claggett dwelling as much as expectations and pushing the tempo, pressuring Lopez incessantly. Claggett having some success pressuring Lopez early on, not connecting on something important however touchdown photographs. Lopez seemingly going to need to battle this one in a telephone sales space. Lopez landed some stable photographs on counter, however good opening spherical for Claggett.
Teofimo Lopez ring walks to Michael Jackson’s Beat It
Lopez continued his custom of distinctive ring walks Saturday evening, getting into the ring in a white tuxedo-styled gown with gold trim.
Michael Jackson’s hit “Beat It” was enjoying over the audio system as Lopez danced within the tunnel and on his method into the ring, trying contemporary forward of his second title protection. Lopez’s final ring stroll in February featured a mock circus performing round him as he made his method to the ring, with tonight’s being decidedly extra tame.
Frank Gore and extra ringside for Teofimo Lopez battle
The celebs are out in Miami as Teofimo Lopez takes on Steve Claggett for the WBO and Ring Journal 140-pound titles.
Soccer legends Frank Gore and Despond Howard have been noticed ringside forward of the principle occasion. They have been joined by boxing legends together with Riddick Bowe and Fernando Vargas.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett undercard outcomes
- Robeisy Ramirez def. Brandon Benitez by KO-7
- Nico Ali Walsh def. Sona Akale by unanimous determination
Robeisy Ramirez beats Brandon Benitez by knockout
Robeisy Ramirez completed Brandon Benitez with a crumbling uppercut within the seventh spherical to enhance to 14-2 and safe a rematch in opposition to WBO featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza.
It was all Ramirez from the opening bell, who proved to be leagues above Benitez. He picked Benitez aside for the opening six rounds, timing his combos to perfection whereas remaining defensively accountable. Benitez struggled to land something of notice on Ramirez who landed constantly all battle lengthy.
Ramirez now seems set for a rematch in opposition to Espinoza, who took his title final December, someday later this yr. Espinoza received by knockout final Friday in a powerful efficiency in opposition to Sergio Chirino.
Robeisy Ramirez vs Brandon Benitez: Spherical 7
Ramirez simply on a unique stage than Benitez to date. 78-26 energy punch join benefit by way of six for Ramirez. Ramirez beating Benitez to the punch, actually, when Benitez opens as much as throw. Halfway by way of and Ramirez lands a handful on photographs by way of Benitez’s guard. To Benitez’s credit score he is taken the photographs properly, nonetheless getting shutout. Knockdown within the last thirty seconds! An uppercut from Ramirez sends Benitez down and he would not beat the depend! KO-7 win for Ramirez.
Robeisy Ramirez vs Brandon Benitez: Spherical 6
Midway by way of and it has been a shutout for Ramirez, who’s outlanding Benitez 79-24. Ramirez not solely bringing battle to Benitez, however countering Benitez’s assaults properly. Ramirez lands an enormous counter left hand, halfway by way of the spherical. Ramirez doing an excellent job to cowl up on the within, not permitting a lot room for Benitez to land.
Robeisy Ramirez vs Brandon Benitez: Spherical 5
Ramirez isn’t an enormous puncher, however this looks like a battle he might get a stoppage in. Benitez’s nostril is bleeding, he is taken a whole lot of jabs this battle. Benitez continues to remain in entrance of Ramirez, however he is roughly getting picked aside, touchdown often however taking a complete lot from Ramirez. Ramirez’s combos an excessive amount of for Benitez.
Robeisy Ramirez vs Brandon Benitez: Spherical 4
Ramirez landed 26 energy punches in spherical three. Combat is not being fought in a telephone sales space essentially, however all of the motion has been at shut vary. Ramirez outlanding Benitez 47-11 by way of three. Ramirez’s mixture punching simply an excessive amount of for Benitez, as he seems in complete management. Benitez can not seem to land something important on Ramirez, whereas Ramirez lands nearly at will. One sided to date.
Robeisy Ramirez vs Brandon Benitez: Spherical 3
Ramirez upped his connects to 14 in spherical two. Opening thirty seconds and Ramirez catches Benitez with a pleasant mixture, buzzing him, however Benitez stands robust. Ramirez appears to discover a house for a minimum of one shot in each mixture he throws, simply timing his photographs to perfection at shut vary. Benitez doing a little respectable work to the physique, however is getting hit usually.
Robeisy Ramirez vs Brandon Benitez: Spherical 2
Ramirez outlanded Benitez 6-2 in a sluggish spherical one. Ramirez is fast to counter any Benitez assaults, discovering some success. Benitez choosing his spots to unload brief combos. Ramirez is the higher fighter and it looks like he is aware of it, sharp along with his punches and assured along with his strain. Good spherical for Ramirez.
Robeisy Ramirez vs Brandon Benitez: Spherical 1
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez seems to bounce again from a title battle defeat to Rafael Espinoza final December. Benitez is definitely a tune-up opponent, with an Espinoza rematch looming. Gradual begin however Ramirez is making use of the vast majority of strain. Not a lot motion, Ramirez doubtless edges it with just a few stable connects.
Nico Ali Walsh will get revenge on Sona Akale
Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, defeated Sona Akale by unanimous determination, getting revenge on his lone profession loss final August. The judges’ scorecards have been 58-55, 57-56 and 57-56 all for Ali Walsh.
Ali Walsh began the battle robust, securing a knockdown in spherical three, which in the end proved to be essential. Akale got here again and completed the battle robust, touchdown some large photographs throughout the ultimate three rounds. The knockdown is what received it for him, with Ali Walsh profitable by only a level on two playing cards.
He mentioned afterwards he was supplied a contract by Jake Paul’s Most Worthwhile Promotions, however declined it to proceed preventing actual fighters with Prime Rank.
Nico Ali Walsh vs Sona Akale: Spherical 6
Akale will need to construct on the momentum from the tip of that final spherical, doubtless needing a KO to win. Akale outlanded Ali Walsh 31-18 final spherical. Ali Walsh seems to have dislocated his shoulder this spherical, slamming his glove into his shoulder, seemingly making an attempt to pop it again into place. He is switching southpaw to attempt to keep away from lifting that left arm. It is clearly bothering Ali Walsh however Akale hasn’t been in a position to soar on it. Not a foul spherical for Ali Walsh given he solely had use of 1 arm for many of it.
Nico Ali Walsh vs Sona Akale: Spherical 5
Akale on the level on this six rounder the place he wants a knockout to win. Akale will get Ali Walsh in opposition to the ropes within the opening thirty seconds and unloads, touchdown a handful of impactful photographs. Ali Walsh’s face seems marked up after that trade early within the spherical. Last thirty seconds now and Akale begins unloading bombs on Ali Walsh, once more touchdown fairly just a few. Ali Walsh stands agency however took some imply photographs. Good spherical for Akale.
Nico Ali Walsh vs Sona Akale: Spherical 4
Akale seems to have his legs, however that knockdown undoubtedly fazed him. Akale coming after Ali Walsh halfway by way of the spherical, getting him on the ropes however unable to capitalize. Ali Walsh would not look frightened about what’s coming at him. Strong bounce again spherical for Akale, who landed some good photographs, though Ali Walsh landed his justifiable share as properly.
Nico Ali Walsh vs Sona Akale: Spherical 3
Ali Walsh utilizing his measurement to maintain some house, being the larger man. Akale seems to be constructing the strain, however Ali Walsh seems snug. The battle opens up within the final minute with Akale catching Walsh on the ropes and Ali Walsh responding with a shot that knocks Akale’s mouthpiece out. Simply after the mouthpiece goes again in, Ali Walsh sends Akale to the canvas with an enormous left hand. Akale beats the depend and survives the spherical. 10-8 spherical for Ali Walsh.
Nico Ali Walsh vs Sona Akale: Spherical 2
Ali Walsh outlanded Akale, 15-11, within the first spherical. The battle is staying within the midrange, with neither fighter trying notably desirous to get inside. Akale trying to land the left hook however hasn’t had a lot success but. Ali Walsh doing a little good work to the physique that spherical. Comparatively uneventful spherical.
Nico Ali Walsh vs Sona Akale: Spherical 1
Ali Walsh seems to avenge his lone profession loss, which got here final August to Akale. Each fighters unloading occasional fast combos, Ali Walsh seems sharp, however but to land something important. Every fighter landed just a few good photographs, most likely Ali Walsh’s spherical, however Akale seems sport.
watch Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett battle?
Prime Rank’s boxing card from Miami headlined by Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett shall be broadcast reside on ESPN and ESPN+ on Saturday, June 29.
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Teofimo Lopez battle time, ring walks
The Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett battle card begins at 9 p.m. CT, with the principle occasion ring walks anticipated at roughly 10:30 p.m. CT.
- Combat card begin: 9 p.m. CT
- Lopez vs. Claggett ring walks: approx. 10:30 p.m. CT
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett battle location
The Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett battle will happen on the James L. McKnight Middle in Miami Seashore, Florida. This would be the first main boxing occasion held on the venue since Roberto Duran fought there in 1987.
- Location: James L. McKnight Middle, Miami Seashore, FL
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett full battle card
The undercard of Lopez-Claggett will function the return of former featherweight champion Robeisy Ramirez, in addition to a rematch between Nico Ali Walsh, Muhammad Ali’s grandson, and Sona Akale.
- Essential occasion: Teofimo Lopez (20-1, 13 KOs) vs. Steve Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs); WBO junior welterweight title
- Co-main: Robeisy Ramirez (13-2, 8 KOs) vs. Brandon Benitez (21-2, 9 KOs)
- Nico Ali Walsh (9-1, 5 KOs) vs. Sona Akale (9-1, 4 KOs)
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett battle prediction
Lopez is leagues higher than Claggett on paper, though the identical would’ve been mentioned in regard to Sandor Martin, whom Lopez narrowly defeated on the playing cards in 2022.
The nice factor for Lopez is Claggett would not battle like Martin, or Jamaine Ortiz. Whereas each of these fighters utilized motion to maintain Lopez off of them, Claggett is a come ahead, aggressive sort of fighter, which must be excellent for Lopez.
Lopez has proven that when he has a goal in entrance of him, able to being hit, he might be dynamic on offense, timing his punches to perfection and dismantling his opponent. Claggett’s solely ever been knocked out as soon as, however he is additionally by no means confronted a fighter like Lopez. We see Lopez having little bother, as he picks Claggett aside on the way in which to a late stoppage win.
Predictions: Lopez def. Claggett by KO-10; Ramirez def. Benitez by UD; Ali Walsh def. Akale UD
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett battle odds
Teofimo Lopez is a -1100 favourite to win the battle on DraftKings, whereas Steve Claggett is +650 to drag the upset. The over/beneath on rounds is 10.5.
- Lopez by KO/TKO: -145
- Lopez by determination: +160
- Claggett by KO/TKO: +1100
- Claggett by determination: +1600
Odds through DraftKings, as of June 25
Teofimo Lopez battle report
Teofimo Lopez is 20-1 with 13 wins by the use of knockout.
Lopez is the present lineal junior welterweight champion, holding the WBO and Ring Journal 140-pound titles. He is a former unified light-weight world champion, having held three of the 4 light-weight belts earlier than struggling his first profession defeat to George Kambosos in 2021.
Lopez moved up in weight in 2022 and final summer time he defeated former undisputed 140-pound champion Josh Taylor in convincing vogue to say the WBO title and a spot atop the division.
Steve Claggett battle report
Steve Claggett is 38-7-2 with 26 wins by knockout.
Claggett has been knowledgeable since 2008 and has taken on some stable contenders all through his profession, prevailing in a few of these bouts, however struggling a defeat in fairly just a few others. Claggett is on a 9 battle profitable streak, choosing up 4 wins in 2023 and one other win in January of this yr.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett weigh-in outcomes
Teofimo Lopez weighed in at 139.4 kilos at Friday’s weigh-in, whereas his opponent Steve Claggett weighed 139.5 kilos.
The junior welterweight restrict is 140 kilos.
Teofimo Lopez stats
Lopez’s inconsistency in latest fights have slumped his numbers barely, however he nonetheless stacks up properly in opposition to the most effective at 140-pounds.
Lopez lands 30.8% of his punches, center of the highway among the many high fighters at junior welterweight. Lopez doesn’t do a ton of labor behind his jab, throwing 18.8 per spherical and touchdown simply 14.9% of these photographs. It is energy punches the place Lopez shines.
Lopez throws a mean of 24.7 energy punches per spherical, touchdown 42.9% of these photographs, greatest amongst junior welterweight champions. Lopez’s protection is stable, as he solely will get hit with a mean of 9.4 punches per spherical, along with his opponents touchdown simply 24.4% of photographs in opposition to him.
Teofimo Lopez’s final battle
Lopez final entered the ring on February 8, when he had his first 140-pound title protection in opposition to revered contender Jamaine Ortiz.
Whereas Ortiz had beforehand impressed in a loss to Vasiliy Lomachenko, he employed a unique gameplan in opposition to Lopez, transferring across the ring and doing an excellent job to evade the strain of Lopez. The whole thing of the battle, Lopez was merely unable to chop of the ring and forestall Ortiz from transferring out of hazard.
It was not an thrilling battle from both boxer, however many thought Ortiz did sufficient to edge a victory on the playing cards. As an alternative, Lopez retained his titles with a unanimous determination victory, in an general uninspired efficiency.
Harrison Campbell covers boxing for The Tennessean and highschool sports activities for The Each day Herald. Electronic mail him at hcampbell@gannett.com and observe him on Twitter @hccamp.