Specifically, Josh Taylor and Teofimo Lopez have agreed to a deal for Taylor’s WBO junior welterweight title. The Boxing odds matchup is on June 10 in New York on ESPN/ESPN+. The 140-pound bout pits the former undisputed junior welterweight champion against Lopez, the ex-undisputed lightweight champion. Correlate that the bout will take place at the Hulu Theater at MSG. Initially, Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs) was set to meet Jack Catterall in a rematch on March 4. However, the bout was postponed after Taylor tore a plantar fascia last month.
Boxing Odds WBO Welterweight Title Josh Taylor vs. Teofimo Lopez
| Date and Time: | Saturday, June 10, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Location: | Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater in New York City. |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN and ESPN+ |
Taylor vs. Lopez SBG Odds:
| Boxer | Odds |
|---|---|
| Teofimo Lopez | +136 |
| Josh Taylor | -174 |
Taylor vs. Lopez SBG Odds Overview
Last February, Taylor defended his undisputed championship against Catterall in Scotland. And then he emerged with a split-decision offshore betting victory, but the judging was marred in controversy.
Taylor, 32, is a star in Scotland. Thus, the matchup with Lopez was originally being explored for the United Kingdom. Instead, Taylor will travel for his fifth fight in the United States. Of course, Taylor produced his career-best victory for his title belt. Specifically, it was a unanimous-decision win over Jose Ramirez in May 2021 to capture the undisputed championship. Taylor vacated three of his four belts to avoid mandatory challenges that would have prevented the rematch with Catterall.
In turn, Teofimo Lopez is among the most charismatic and talented young fighters in the game. However, he lost the four belts he won from Lomachenko. Correlate that George Kambosos defeated him at the Hulu Theater in ESPN’s 2021 Upset of the Year. Subsequently, he has been criticized for lackluster performances in his two fights at 140 pounds. His split-decision win over Sandor Martin was highly disputed.
Taylor and Lopez have been on a collision course for years as they’ve traded insults. Late on, Lopez (18-1, 13 KOs) vowed to knock Taylor out before he faced Martin. The 25-year-old Lopez is rated No. 10 at junior welterweight by ESPN. Taylor is ESPN’s No. 2 junior welterweight. Taylor must fully recover from yet another injury first. The plantar fascia connects the heel bone to the toes to create the foot arch. Consider tearing one is considered a highly painful injury. Taylor and Lopez were simultaneously on ESPN’s pound-for-pound list before Lopez lost to Kambosos. So too, did Taylor fall off the list after the performance vs. Catterall.
Calling Each Other Out
WBO junior welterweight champion Josh Taylor has dared Teofimo Lopez to make good on his recent controversial threat. Accordingly, Lopez made it clear during an interview that he would attempt to make a statement. Cause by potentially taking Taylor’s life when they collide on June 10. Taylor is not bothered by the statements. In fact, he issued a Boxing odds warning of his own to Lopez.
Josh Taylor said that Lopez could try and take his life. But he asked who was the one who ends up in the back of an ambulance. Taylor admitted that might be a horrible comment back. Further, Taylor said to let him come and try to see what happens. Also, Taylor taunted Lopez to take his best shot.
Taylor vs. Lopez SBG Free Pick
In this situation, Teofimo Lopez is a dangerous and potentially strong underdog value.
Taylor vs. Lopez SBG Free Pick: Teofimo Lopez.