Teofimo Lopez could soon be ordered to face his mandatory challenger after dethroning Rolando Romero with a majority decision victory last weekend.<\/p>\n
While the scorecards would suggest otherwise, many considered Lopez a clear winner against \u2018Rolly\u2019, who was making a first defence of his WBA welterweight title.<\/p>\n
Besides round five, when he was seriously hurt by a Romero right hand, \u2018The Takeover\u2019 remained in control for the vast majority of their contest.<\/p>\n
As such, he became a three-division world champion in his first outing at 147lbs, despite coming off a wide unanimous decision defeat to Shakur Stevenson in January.<\/p>\n
But while Lopez has expressed an interest in unification matches<\/a>, against the likes of Devin Haney and winner of Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn, he may need to pump the breaks and accommodate a mandatory obligation.<\/p>\n This is because Jack Catterall, who claimed the WBA \u2018regular\u2019 strap against Shakhram Giyasov in May, is due to secure his shot at the full world title by November 19.<\/p>\n Taking to social media on Sunday, the British welterweight offered a reminder of his position.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand the politics of boxing better than most. Rolly had a voluntary [defence], now it\u2019s time for my shot! No ducks, no more swerving. Me v Teo next.\u201d<\/p>\n 180 days @WBABoxing<\/a> which means November \u2705 I understand the politics of boxing better than most. Rolly had a voluntary now it\u2019s time for my shot ! No ducks no more swerving. Me v teo next https:\/\/t.co\/zEIX6GTggc<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Jack Catterall (@jack_catt93) August 23, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n