Teofimo Lopez reveals backlash and criticism of his trainer dad hurt more than Shakur Stevenson defeat

TEOFIMO LOPEZ revealed the backlash his dad and trainer received after defeat to Shakur Stevenson hurt more than the loss itself. Lopez Jr and Sr are one of boxing’s most polarizing double acts. Teofimo Lopez with his dad Sr Credit: AP Shakur Stevenson beat Lopez in New York Credit: Getty The boxer’s outspoken father helped mastermind wins over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor. But he has been equally criticised for his corner work in defeats to George Kambosos in 2021 and most recently Stevenson in January. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Lopez even faced calls to SACK his dad – but he said the points loss to Stevenson in January reinforced their unbreakable bond. “I think it affected my father more, my trainer. You know, I think it affected him more,” he told SunSport. “I think for me, I just focused on not letting that break us apart as the titles that we have. “He’s my trainer, but as well, he is my father. I think that I just had to focus on more. “So what are the more important things in my time right now, which is my family, my wife, my son, baby on the way, and another thing is just staying in the gym and focusing on what we can do next.” Lopez, 29, was dominated over 12 rounds against pound-for-pound star Stevenson, also 29, in New York’s Madison Square Garden. Most read in Sport BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS But he admits the criticism and questioning of his dad hurt far greater than the defeat in the ring – which resulted in losing the 140lb WBO title. “I’d say yes, because I think it was like something that I saw. It’s like when you see something already going to happen,” Lopez said. “That’s why when I took the defeat, I just took it with grace, because I saw it was inevitable. It was going to happen. It was inevitable. “But that’s the beauty about it, man. Now you know what the signs to look out for so that doesn’t ever occur again.” Lopez’s four-year-old son – Teofimo III – is already looking like the next addition to the family business. “Oh, man, he’s great. He’s over here. I love seeing him,” the soon-to-be father of two said. “He’ll come in the backyard and hit the boxing bag, and he’ll go on the ring. He’ll do some movements. And it’s not like I’m forcing him either. Rolly Romero facing off with Lopez Credit: RYAN HAFEY Lopez with his son and dad at a press conference Credit: RYAN HAFEY “It’s whatever comes to them. My whole thing is his name is Teofimo Liam, but right now we call him Liam. “When he’s older, I’ll let him know, what do you want to be called, Teofimo or Liam? “No matter what, it’s still your name, but it’s the shoes that you’re going to fulfill.” Having seen the relationship with his own dad strain over the years due to the exhausting nature of boxing, Lopez is happy to hand the coaching reins over to someone else when it comes to his boy. “I think it wouldn’t just be me,” he said. “I’ll be more like on the lookout. I’ll probably give him advice. I’ll be like an advisor. I’m always going to have that relationship with him. “However, I think the most important thing is at least his dad has walked through the shoes and been there. Lopez and his son Junior Teofimo Sr has always coached his son “I’ve been in that road, so at least I can guide him. I think that’s another reason why Takeover Promotions and all these other great things are coming up in the sport. “I’m pretty much preparing the road for when I do hang up the gloves if he wants to take that road.” Despite sticking with his dad after losing to Stevenson, it has sparked a move up in weight with Lopez now a welterweight. And welcoming him to the 147lb division is Rolly Romero, 30, and a WBA world title fight. Romero is an old friend and sparring partner of Lopez’s – but the niceties will be put aside on Saturday – live on DAZN PPV. “I envision myself just winning, man, victory,” Lopez said. “Victory. That’s the thing. Taking over the weight division, taking over his belt, the super WBA once-a-weight belt that he has right now currently. “And if the stoppage comes, it’s going to be there. I think all my other stoppages that I’ve ever occurred or ever had, I never looked for it. “It just came. So that’s the best part that I think I’m going into this fight with.” Comment now