- The WBA gave Teofimo Lopez and Jack Catterall until 22 October to agree terms for their mandatory fight, or purse bids will be called
- Eddie Hearn has reportedly told Lopez to fight Catterall or vacate, and says he expects the WBA to reject Lopez’s appeal
- My view: the WBA has to enforce its own order, and if the fight happens I pick Lopez on points
Deadline Day Has Arrived
Right then. Today, 22 October, is the date the WBA set for Teofimo Lopez and Jack Catterall to agree terms for their mandatory welterweight fight. If they do not, the WBA calls for purse bids and the promoters fight it out with money. I have not seen an agreement announced as of writing, so the clock is ticking.
We have been following this since the order first landed. If you need the background, our piece on the WBA order and the one on Catterall saying this fight must come next set it out.
Hearn Is Not Hiding His Position
Catterall is the WBA Regular welterweight champion and the mandatory challenger, and Eddie Hearn, his promoter, has been blunt. The reported message is that Lopez should fight Catterall or vacate, and that Hearn expects the WBA to turn down Lopez’s appeal. You can argue about the tone, but the logic is simple. A governing body that sets a deadline and then lets it slide has no authority left.
Lopez Wants The Bigger Payday
I understand why Lopez’s camp is looking elsewhere. After his majority decision win over Rolando Romero on 22 August, his team has pursued the biggest money available, and his manager said they were exploring legal options rather than accepting the mandatory straight away. Lopez has also pointed to the winner of Garcia v Benn and a unification with IBF champion Liam Paro as alternatives. That winner was Ryan Garcia, and we know a fight with him is being discussed for early 2027.
Catterall Has Done His Part
Catterall has won his belt and waited. He is an awkward, intelligent southpaw who has never been flashy and has never needed to be. Make no mistake, he deserves his shot, and he is not going to be talked out of it.
My Prediction
I will not sit on the fence. The deadline passes without a deal, the WBA calls purse bids, and Lopez ends up in a corner where he either takes the fight or gives up the belt. If it happens, I pick Lopez on points, because he is levels above in power and shot selection, but Catterall will make him work for every round. The Garcia fight can wait. The WBA order cannot.