The Takeover is returning to his South Florida roots.
Teofimo Lopez will defend his WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight world titles against Canadian contender Steve Claggett on Saturday, June 29, at James L. Knight Center in Downtown Miami, Florida.
In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, Cuban former WBO world champion Robeisy Ramirez returns against Mexico’s Brandon Leon Benitez.
The six-round televised opener sees middleweight prospect Nico Ali Walsh attempt to avenge his only pro defeat in a rematch against Sona Akale.
Teofimo-Claggett, Ramirez-Benitez & Ali Walsh-Akale II will be broadcast LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK & Ireland.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Eye of The Tiger, tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 22 at 2 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster.com.
Teofimo Lopez is among the most electrifying fighters in the sport, and I know he’s motivated to put on a show against a very tough challenger in Steve Claggett,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum.
“Robeisy Ramirez wants to become a two-time world champion, and the road back starts in his adopted hometown. Nico Ali Walsh has been asking for the Akale rematch from the moment the judges’ decision came back after their first fight, and he now has a chance for revenge.”
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett
Lopez (20-1, 13 KOs), a two-weight lineal champion who grew up in South Florida, captured the IBF lightweight world title with a second-round knockout against Richard Commey in December 2019.
The following year, he triumphed over pound-for-pound king Vasiliy Lomachenko to claim the WBA, WBO, and WBC Franchise titles. He lost the belts in a shocking upset to George Kambosos Jr. in November 2021.
The 26-year-old made his junior welterweight debut in August 2022, registering a seventh-round TKO versus Pedro Campa before tallying a points verdict over Spanish southpaw Sandor Martin that December.
In June 2023, Lopez painted a fistic masterpiece when he upset former undisputed champion Josh Taylor to capture the WBO and Ring Magazine titles. He defended his crown with a unanimous decision over former amateur rival Jamaine Ortiz in February.
- Lopez said, “I have always wanted to fight in South Florida, where I grew up and developed as a fighter. I never thought it would happen, but now, on June 29, I get the opportunity to do so not just as a world champion but as the lineal world champion of my division. This has been one of my goals since turning pro, and I’m motivated to showcase my talent there in front of my Honduran fans and the entire Latino community.
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