Teofimo Lopez Confirms Welterweight Move, Eyes Benn and Garcia Fights

Former lightweight champion looks to rebound at 147 pounds after one-sided loss at 140.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:33am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the intense action and movement of a boxing match, with sharp geometric shapes and planes in deep navy, forest green, and burnt orange hues.Teofimo Lopez's move to welterweight presents an opportunity to redefine his career through high-stakes matchups against rising stars like Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia.Garden City Today

Teofimo Lopez has officially announced his transition to the welterweight division, aiming to secure a title shot in his new weight class. In a recent interview, Lopez expressed interest in potential fights with Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia, two high-profile names at 147 pounds.

Why it matters

Lopez's move to welterweight comes after a one-sided loss at 140 pounds against Shakur Stevenson, where he lost 119-109 on all three scorecards. This transition represents an opportunity for Lopez to reinvent himself and potentially secure big-money fights against top welterweights like Benn and Garcia.

The details

In the interview, Lopez stated, 'I'm going to 147, The weight class is going to welcome me very good.' He also mentioned ongoing talks for a potential fight with Ryan Garcia, saying 'If the opportunity is there, we'll make it happen.' Additionally, Lopez expressed interest in a matchup with Conor Benn, noting 'He's coming down to 147. If the opportunity is there, we'll make it happen.'

  • Lopez lost to Shakur Stevenson on January 31st, 2026.
  • Ryan Garcia has mentioned July 25th as a target date for his next fight.

The players

Teofimo Lopez

A former lightweight champion who is now transitioning to the welterweight division in search of a fresh start and big-money fights.

Conor Benn

A rising welterweight contender who has been mentioned as a potential opponent for Lopez.

Ryan Garcia

A high-profile welterweight who has also been named as a potential opponent for Lopez's welterweight debut.

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What they’re saying

“I'm going to 147, The weight class is going to welcome me very good.”

— Teofimo Lopez

“There's been talks for sure, maybe in the summer.”

— Teofimo Lopez

“He's coming down to 147. If the opportunity is there, we'll make it happen.”

— Teofimo Lopez

What’s next

Ryan Garcia has mentioned July 25th as a target date for his next fight, which could potentially be against Teofimo Lopez if the two sides can reach an agreement.

The takeaway

Teofimo Lopez's transition to the welterweight division represents a critical juncture in his career, as he looks to rebound from a one-sided loss and secure high-profile fights against top contenders like Conor Benn and Ryan Garcia. The success or failure of this move could significantly impact his future in the sport.