Teofimo Lopez: "I wasn’t gonna retire, it was a publicity stunt"

Teofimo Lopez, the boxing world's recent retirement mystery, has taken an unexpected turn. After stunning the industry with his decision to walk away at the peak of his career, holding the WBO super lightweight and Ring Magazine titles, Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) left fans and experts baffled. At just 25 years old, his retirement seemed premature and inexplicable.

Initially dismissed as a bluff, Lopez's resolve to leave the sport remained firm, citing issues of compensation and a desire to contribute differently to boxing. Despite challenges from top fighters like Regis Prograis, Subriel Matias, and Devin Haney, Lopez remained resolute in his decision.

However, in a surprising twist, Lopez has now revealed that his retirement was a publicity stunt. With a forthcoming fight against Jamaine Ortiz, Lopez has returned to the ring, claiming that his hiatus was a strategic move to generate attention and elevate his profile.

“I had to milk the game,” said Lopez . “I wasn’t gonna retire, it was a publicity stunt. You gotta know how to work the media too.”

Lopez has candidly admitted to manipulating the media and fans, asserting that his retirement was a calculated tactic to stay in the spotlight. With his trademark confidence and a sly grin, Lopez has shown that in the world of boxing, even a retirement can be part of the game plan.