Teofimo Lopez Haney Fight Off: Personal Reasons
Teofimo Lopez has withdrawn from his highly anticipated August 16th bout against Devin Haney, citing ‘personal reasons,’ leading to a major shakeup in the boxing world. this cancellation upends plans, as Haney now searches for a new opponent. Haney himself has openly expressed his frustration, suggesting Lopez was stalling and ultimately didn’t want the fight. News Directory 3 is staying on top of the story.Details remain scarce,but Lopez’s team aims for a return later this year. This news has left fans asking what’s next in the light welterweight division.
Teofimo Lopez vs. Devin Haney Fight Canceled
updated June 05, 2025
A highly anticipated fight between WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney, the former undisputed lightweight champion, is off. The bout, initially slated for Aug. 16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was canceled due to what Lopez’s management described as “personal reasons.”
Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) had been expected to face Ryan Garcia in a rematch, but those plans changed after Garcia’s defeat by Rolando Romero and subsequent hand surgery. lopez (22-1) had previously called for a fight with Jaron “Boots” Ennis, despite Ennis competing in a higher weight class.
Haney disputed claims that Lopez ever signed the contract, suggesting the contracted weight was a sticking point.
“The fight with Teo is not signed! I signed my part & Teo has been stalling. As of today he has decided he doesn’t wanna fight me he is officially the biggest [duck emoji] … I wanted the fight at 147 [pounds] he wanted the fight at 140 we negotiated to meet at 145 even though he was willing to fight [Jaron] boots [Ennis] at 147,” Haney posted on X.
Lopez recently apologized to Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, after directing disparaging remarks at him on social media. alalshikh was expected to promote the fight.
Keith Connolly, lopez’s co-manager, explained the situation in a statement to Ring Magazine.
“Unfortunately, Teo won’t be fighting in August for personal reasons that I will keep confidential,” the statement read. “…We planned on fighting but with what was going on he wanted to make sure he was 100% right mentally and physically and August was just too quick of a turnaround. I expect Teo to be back later this year, bigger and better than ever.”
What’s next
While the Teofimo Lopez fight is off, haney is expected to seek another opponent.Lopez is expected to return to the ring later this year.