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Boxing

Teofimo Lopez Jr. credits Floyd Mayweather, hits out at Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia

Alexander Netherton
Teofimo Lopez Jr. credits Floyd Mayweather, hits out at Devin Haney and Ryan GarciaDAZN
Teofimo Lopez has praised Floyd Mayweather for setting an example to follow, while criticising potential opponents Devin Haney and Ryan Garcia.

Lightweight world champion Teofimo Lopez has credited Floyd Mayweather with the inspiration to focus on his career.

The American fighter earned his number one ranking with an impressive upset win over Vasiliy Lomachenko in October to win the IBF, WBA and WBO belts.

Despite that success, Lopez told Sky Sports News that he would not rest on his laurels, with more opponents in his sights.

"We did it, don't get comfortable, we've got to keep moving. We've got to keep working," he said.

"I learned that from Floyd. Floyd was always someone that stayed motivated. He knew what was at hand. He was always staying in shape for a reason, because he never got caught up in it, and because he was so disciplined.

"It's all about discipline. The moment you are disciplined and you have that self-discipline, you are able to do these things without it being so hard."

Lopez is considering his next fight, with WBC champion Devin Haney a target as the 23-year-old attempts to become undisputed lightweight champion, but George Kambosos Jr. could be his next fight as he is the IBF mandatory challenger.

The three-belt champion has never been shy of criticising his peers and he aimed a barb at Haney.

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"He needs to step up his game and talking. It's horrible, it's bad, it's really bad," Lopez said of his 22-year-old rival. "They need to work on that. I think that with Devin, he has a lot of things where it has to be scripted. It just can't come out.

"The same way we helped Loma out in the process, we're going to help Devin Haney out in the process as well.

"We're going to make the fight happen. I tried to save his career. I did. I kid you not. I tried to protect his career. I told him, 'Hey three to five years, work your way up.' But now, he's got out of hand, and it got me going now, so we're going to start pressing him on it.

"Me and my father, we're on the same page. I believe Devin Haney will be next."

Turning his attention to Californian fighter Ryan Garcia, Lopez suggested that being put down by Luke Campbell undermined his credibility, and that much of his reputation rests on his social media skills.

"People had a questioning feeling about Ryan Garcia's chin," explained Lopez. 

"Luke Campbell kind of showed it. He showed it that night.

"But for him to come back, I think that's what everyone was surprised about. The way Ryan Garcia came back and finished the way he did. A lot of people are very happy about that.

"It's great fights. These guys are hungry, all of us are hungry. We've just got to make the best fight the best.

"Whether it's his team or not, they know what they are doing with Ryan Garcia. He may not be the most skilful fighter, however, he is the most skilful social media guy out there when it comes to this department. You've got to give credit to that.

"That's why I think a lot of these guys want Ryan Garcia next, because they know the amount of exposure they are going to get. I think Ryan himself knows that."