A new star of boxing was born on October 2020, when Teofimo Lopez defeated Ukrainian superstar Vasiliy Lomachenko.
Boxing purists knew who Lopez was, but for the casual fans, they were introduced to a exciting new face in the sport.
Lopez began boxing at the age of six, has elite technique, plenty of speed and power and 12 knockouts in his 17 professional fights.
At 24-years-old, Lopez had the world at his feet, but George Kambosos put the brakes on the Brooklyn-native's rapid rise up the ranks.
Let's take a look at Teofimo Lopez's last five fights.
Teofimo Lopez vs. George Kambosos Jr. (16-1)
Most bookmakers thought Lopez would win easily against the unbeaten George Kambososd, but the Aussie had a plan.
Kambosos and his team did everything they could to anger the hard-hitting champion in order to get Lopez to come out swinging for the fences.
Lopez obliged and Kambosos was able to weather the early storm before stunning the boxing world with a knockdown late in the first round.
From there, Kambosos fought a near-perfect, although he did hit the canvas when Lopez caught him in the 10th round.
In the end, Kambosos was awarded a split decision, but most viewers felt the Aussie had done enough to get the nod from all three judges.
Teofimo Lopez vs. Vasiliy Lomachenko (16-0)
One of the biggest upsets in combat sports of 2020 was Lopez's unanimous win against Vasiliy Lomachenko for the lightweight championship.
Lopez was paying $4.30, while the favourite Lomachenko was paying $1.20 to win at MGM Grand, Las Vegas.
The underdog started strong and Lomachenko could not figure him out like he usually does against his other opponents.
Lopez took away Lomachenko's elite footwork and use of unique angles, by pressuring the Olympic champion.
The challenger dug deep and overpowered one of the best boxers the world has ever seen.
The bell rang and it was clear that Lopez was the new undisputed lightweight champion of the world.
Teofimo Lopez vs. Richard Commey (15-0)
Lopez fought IBF world title holder Richard Commey at Madison Square Garden, New York in December 2019.
The undefeated fighter destroyed the champion Commey with a powerful right hand that ended with a TKO in the second round.
Lopez was rewarded with the IBF title and called out his future opponent Lomachenko in the ring.
This was his fourth fight in 2019, concluding the year with a world title and a shot at the former champ Lomachenko.
Teofimo Lopez vs. Masayoshi Nakatani (14-0)
Lopez, 22-years-old at the time, would fight Japanese Masayoshi Nakatani back in July, 2019.
The American showcased his undeniable boxing skills, dominating the fight and winning by unanimous decision at MGM, Maryland.
This was his third win in 2019, Lopez was on an absolute tear against high-quality opponents.
Teofimo Lopez vs. Edis Tatli (13-0)
Lopez added another knockout win to his record when he finished Edis Tatli by KO in the fifth round at MSG, New York.
The rising star dropped Tatli with a brutal body shot; the Finnish boxer could not get back to his feet.
Teofimo Lopez last five fights summary
| Opponent | Result | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Kambosos | Lost by decision | Nov 27 2021 | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| Vasiliy Lomachenko | Won by decision | 17 Oct 2020 | MGM Grand, Las Vegas |
| Richard Commey | Won by TKO | 14 Dec 2019 | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| Masayoshi Nakatani | Won by decision | 19 Jul 2019 | MGM National Harbor, Maryland |
| Edis Tatli | Won by KO | 20 Apr 2019 | Madison Square Garden, New York |