Teofimo Lopez has admitted his father and long-time trainer, Teofimo Lopez Sr., failed to provide the necessary guidance during his recent loss to Shakur Stevenson. The 28-year-old former unified champion expressed that the lack of proper instructions prevented him from making the critical adjustments needed to secure a victory during the high-stakes encounter.
The Brooklyn-born fighter stated that he now agrees with fans and critics who questioned his corner’s performance following the bout. This realization comes as Teofimo Lopez prepares for a significant career shift, including a move up to the welterweight division and a restructuring of his support team.
Teofimo Lopez critiques corner performance after Stevenson loss
The defeat to Shakur Stevenson has prompted Teofimo Lopez to reflect on the tactical failures within his camp. He explained that during the most difficult moments of the fight, he felt his back was against the wall without receiving the right motivational or technical support.
Instead of clear instructions on how to navigate the technical prowess of an undefeated opponent, Teofimo Lopez felt his corner’s energy was more discouraging than helpful. He emphasized that a fighter cannot always rely on self-motivation and requires a team that can provide external clarity and effective strategy.
The lack of mid-fight adjustments became a focal point for observers who watched the struggle against Shakur Stevenson. While Stevenson executed his game plan effectively, Teofimo Lopez believes his own inability to adapt was a direct result of the guidance he received between rounds.
By publicly acknowledging these shortcomings, Teofimo Lopez has signaled a move away from the insular training dynamic that defined his earlier championship runs. He has reportedly decided to trust his own instincts more as he prepares for future challenges in a higher weight class.
Emotional weight and childhood trainer Milton Lacroy
The week leading up to the Stevenson fight was marked by personal volatility for the former champion. Teofimo Lopez shared that he experienced an emotional breakdown while with his mother the day before the bout, sensing that a major life change was imminent.
He described this moment as a period of reflection rather than just pre-fight nerves. He viewed the subsequent loss as the start of a new chapter, suggesting he had subconsciously sought a change in his career trajectory to move forward.
As part of this evolution, Teofimo Lopez has brought his childhood trainer, Milton Lacroy, back into his corner. Milton Lacroy has a long history in the sport, having coached since the mid-1980s and previously training heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs.
The inclusion of a veteran like Milton Lacroy suggests a desire to return to the fundamentals that propelled Teofimo Lopez through the amateur ranks and his early professional success. This adjustment is similar to the shifts seen when heavyweight Andy Ruiz Jr. nears his own return to the ring after re-evaluating his camp.
Transitioning to the WBA welterweight division
The most immediate change for Teofimo Lopez is his departure from the 140-pound division to compete at welterweight. He has verbally agreed to challenge Rolando Romero for the WBA welterweight title in a fight expected to take place in Las Vegas.
Rolando Romero, a Cuban-American fighter based in Las Vegas, currently holds the WBA throne after a significant victory in May 2025. In that bout, he upset Ryan Garcia to capture the championship, establishing himself as a primary target for other multi-division title seekers.
The move to 147 pounds is a calculated risk for Teofimo Lopez, who previously held unified titles at lightweight and the WBO junior welterweight strap. He believes moving up in weight will allow him to preserve his power and reduce the physical strain of weight cutting.
While the paperwork for the Romero bout is still being finalized, the matchup is already generating significant interest. This bout would allow Teofimo Lopez to potentially become a three-division world champion, a feat that would solidify his legacy despite the recent setback against Shakur Stevenson.
Career trajectories of Shakur Stevenson and Rolando Romero
Shakur Stevenson remains a dominant force in the sport, holding a perfect record of 25 wins with 11 knockouts. At 29, the Newark native has already secured world titles in four different weight classes, a career path that mirrors the most elite technicians in boxing history.
His victory over Teofimo Lopez served as another showcase for his defensive skill and precision. Shakur Stevenson, an Olympic silver medalist, has consistently proven difficult to hit, forcing opponents like Teofimo Lopez to reconsider their entire tactical approach after facing him.
Meanwhile, Romero’s rise to the WBA throne has changed the landscape of the welterweight division. Having previously held titles at super lightweight and interim lightweight, Rolando Romero brings significant punching power and a 17-2 professional record to the proposed matchup.
The contrast in styles between Teofimo Lopez and Rolando Romero makes the upcoming title fight a compelling narrative for the sport. Both men have experienced the highs of championship gold and the pressure of being the underdog in major televised events.
Long-term implications for the Takeover persona
Teofimo Lopez remains optimistic about his future, noting that he enjoys “comeback stories” and views the recent turmoil as a necessary step for growth. He intends to use the lessons learned from the Stevenson loss to refine his preparation and mental approach.
The shift in his corner is perhaps the most significant development. For years, the bond between Teofimo Lopez and his father was seen as an unbreakable asset, but the public admission of failure suggests that professional results have now taken precedence over family loyalty in the gym.
As he moves toward the welterweight limit, the boxing world will be watching to see if his power translates effectively. The 147-pound division is currently undergoing a period of transition, much like the intense confrontations between top-tier champions seen in the women’s ranks.
The upcoming bout in Las Vegas will serve as the ultimate test of whether Teofimo Lopez can reinvent himself. With a new trainer in Milton Lacroy and a fresh perspective on his corner’s role, the man known as “The Takeover” is betting on a successful second act in his career.
