Jack Catterall wins WBA ruling as Teofimo Lopez told to fight him next

Jack Catterall has won his battle with the WBA. The governing body has rejected Teofimo Lopez’s bid to get out of their mandatory fight, ruling again that the American must face the Chorley man next.

Both sides now have ten days to agree a deal. If they cannot, either camp can call for purse bids.

What the WBA ruled

The WBA’s championships committee issued its decision on Wednesday 11 November. It upheld the order for Lopez, its welterweight “super” champion, to defend against Catterall.

WBA president Gilberto Mendoza summed it up on X. “His mandatory defense vs. Jack Catterall is reaffirmed,” he wrote. “Both sides have 10 days to reach an agreement. Otherwise, either may request a purse bid.”

The WBA’s full statement said unification fights can be allowed through a special permit. But it added that Lopez’s team had not formally asked for one.

Why Lopez wanted out

Lopez wants Ryan Garcia. The WBC champion thrashed Conor Benn in September with Lopez watching from ringside, and a fight between the two would be a unification and a far bigger payday.

His team asked the WBA to reconsider on 2 October. Matchroom, Catterall’s promoter, argued for the order to stand.

This may not be over. Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix reported that Lopez plans to appeal again. His team says it filed a request to fight Garcia on 5 November, which contradicts the WBA’s version, as BoxingScene reports.

How Jack Catterall got here

Catterall beat Shakhram Giyasov on 23 May to win the WBA’s secondary welterweight title. Under a WBA ruling earlier that month, the super champion had to face the winner within 180 days.

Lopez then beat Rolando Romero on 22 August and inherited that obligation. The first 30-day negotiating window closed on 22 October without a deal. We covered that deadline in our Lopez vs Catterall purse bid piece.

‘Fight me or vacate’

Catterall has waited a long time for this. He was on the wrong end of a hugely controversial split decision against Josh Taylor in 2022, and he has no patience left for being sidelined again.

“All I want to do is move forward with my career,” he wrote on X, as The Ring reported. “I respect you Teofimo Lopez so either fight me or vacate!” He signed off with an expletive.

When news of Lopez’s appeal broke, his reaction was one word: “Pathetic.”

Catterall is 33-2 with 14 knockouts. Lopez is 23-2 with 13 and a three-division world champion. On paper it is a proper fight.

What happens next

The clock is running again. Lopez can negotiate, go to purse bids or give up the belt and chase Garcia. If he vacates, Catterall would be elevated to full WBA champion.

The Ring reports that Garcia vs Lopez is being planned for early 2027 even without the WBA title on the line. So stepping aside is a real possibility.

In a separate ruling, the WBA also refused an immediate rematch between Floyd Schofield and Bahdi.

For Catterall, it is the best news he has had in months. For more British fight news, visit our boxing hub.

Jack Catterall FAQ

Who does Teofimo Lopez have to fight next?
Jack Catterall, after the WBA rejected his request to reconsider the mandatory order.

How long do Lopez and Catterall have to agree a deal?
Ten days from the 11 November ruling. After that, either side can request purse bids.

What happens if Lopez vacates?
Catterall would be elevated to full WBA welterweight champion.

What are Lopez and Catterall’s records?
Catterall is 33-2 with 14 KOs. Lopez is 23-2 with 13 KOs.

Why does Lopez want to avoid Catterall?
He wants a unification fight with WBC champion Ryan Garcia instead.