Why the WBO Must Strip Teofimo Lopez Jr. of His Title

By Steven X

May 10, 2025

Teofimo Lopez Jr. should no longer hold the WBO junior welterweight championship. His repeated use of racially offensive language—particularly directed at Black Americans—has brought disgrace to himself and disrepute to the sport. The World Boxing Organization has reportedly scheduled a meeting with Lopez Jr. for Monday, May 12, to address his conduct. But at this point, a meeting is insufficient. The WBO must take firm action and strip him of his title immediately.

Lopez Jr. has exhibited a troubling and consistent pattern of racially charged behavior. He has referred to Terence “Bud” Crawford and Gervonta “Tank” Davis as “monkeys”—a well-documented racial slur used historically to demean and dehumanize Black Americans. In a separate gym incident, his father, Teofimo Lopez Sr., allegedly said, “See, that’s why we don’t spar with n******,” after his son was reportedly outperformed in a session by Keyshawn Davis. Following the comment, Davis allegedly physically confronted Lopez Sr. in the gym.

The most recent incident, which sparked a wave of backlash across the boxing community, involves a now-viral Instagram video filmed by Lopez Sr. In the footage, Lopez Jr. is heard twice saying, “Where’s that n****** at?” in reference to Crawford. Notably, he used the hard “-er” variation of the word—distinct from the “-a” version that, while controversial, is sometimes used within the Black community as reclaimed language. The "-er" form, however, remains universally recognized as a racial slur rooted in violence and oppression. Lopez Jr.'s attempt to later claim he said “liquor” is both implausible and a transparent effort to deflect accountability.

This latest offense follows an earlier confrontation that took place months ago in February 2025 during the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol card in Saudi Arabia. Teofimo Lopez Jr. was in attendance with Terence Crawford, David Benavidez, and His Excellency Turki Al-Sheikh. According to multiple accounts, Crawford directly confronted Lopez Jr. over his past racist remarks. The situation escalated until Benavidez reportedly stepped in to calm tensions. Only after the altercation was defused did the group pose for a photo together.

Later that evening, Crawford posted a video on his X (formerly Twitter) account showing the two in conversation. In the clip, Crawford challenges Lopez Jr. to repeat what he told him earlier. Lopez Jr. replies, “What did I tell you?” Crawford presses again: “What you doing it for?” to which Lopez Jr. responds, “Oh, promotion, baby.” Crawford replies, “Alright, so I don’t gotta f*** him up… he’s good peoples.” Lopez Jr. follows up with, “But I wanna spar with you though.” Although the exchange appeared light-hearted, many on social media saw it as a confirmation that Lopez Jr. was using racial antagonism as a promotional tactic.

If the WBO is serious about its values, this behavior cannot be met with leniency. The organization need only look to the precedent set by the WBC. When Ryan Garcia made a series of racist online statements in 2024, WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán acted swiftly and expelled him from the rankings, stating clearly: “We reject any form of discrimination.” That same decisive leadership is now expected of the WBO.

Under Section 1(c) of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests, a champion may be stripped of their title for conduct “detrimental to the WBO or to boxing.” WBO President Gustavo Olivieri, Esq., has full authority to enforce this rule and send a message that discrimination, especially of this magnitude, will not be tolerated under the organization’s banner.

Adding further irony to the situation, Terence Crawford—whom Lopez Jr. repeatedly targeted—currently holds the WBO Interim Junior Middleweight Title, which he earned by defeating Israil Madrimov in August 2024. Crawford has maintained professionalism and dignity throughout, standing in stark contrast to Lopez Jr.’s erratic and offensive public behavior.

Boxing is a global sport with a diverse audience and athlete base. It cannot afford to look the other way while one of its champions repeatedly engages in racially inflammatory conduct. Allowing Teofimo Lopez Jr. to continue holding the WBO title sends a dangerous message that hate speech can be excused for the sake of promotion or ticket sales.

Stripping Lopez Jr. of his title and issuing a substantial fine would send a strong and necessary message—not just to him, but to every fighter and promoter in the sport: racism has no place in boxing.