Teofimo Lopez Can Seek WBA Permit to Fight Ryan Garcia
Teofimo Lopez is exploring the possibility of securing a special WBA authorization to bypass a mandatory title defense against Jack Catterall. By obtaining this permit, Lopez aims to prioritize a unification bout against WBC titleholder Ryan Garcia, potentially scheduled for February 6.
The WBA has confirmed that Lopez is eligible to submit a formal request for this exception, despite previously ordering him to face Catterall following the latter's victory over Shakhram Giyasov in May. Eddie Hearn, representing Catterall, has publicly threatened legal action against the sanctioning body should they allow Lopez to proceed with the Garcia fight while holding the belt.
Although the WBA previously mandated a November 11 deadline for the Lopez-Catterall bout, the situation remains in flux as the organization considers the unification proposal.
