WBA Orders Teofimo Lopez to Face Jack Catterall Next

The WBA has instructed Lopez to defend his welterweight title against mandatory challenger Catterall, with negotiations due by October 22.

The WBA has ordered Teofimo Lopez to make a mandatory defense of his welterweight world title against Britain's Jack Catterall. The sanctioning body expects the fight to be Lopez's next bout, and the two sides have until October 22 to agree terms before a purse bid would be held.

Lopez won the WBA 'super' welterweight title on points against Rolando Romero last month. The American had been pursuing a unification fight with WBC champion Ryan Garcia instead, but the WBA's ruling now points him toward his mandatory challenger.

Catterall, 33, earned his position as number one challenger by beating Shakhram Giyasov in May, a win that also made him the WBA 'regular' title-holder. The fighter from Chorley posted on X in response to the ruling, writing: "Hi Teofimo Lopez."

Catterall's only previous world title shot came in 2022, when he lost a controversial decision to then undisputed light-welterweight champion Josh Taylor. His record stands at 33 wins with 14 stoppages and just two defeats, the other coming against Arnold Barboza Jr.

Lopez, 29, is a three-weight world champion whose two career losses came against George Kambosos Jr in 2021 and Shakur Stevenson by decision in January. He could still withdraw from negotiations and vacate the title, which could result in Catterall being elevated to full world champion.