Teofimo Lopez disputes Jack Catterall's mandatory status

Teofimo Lopez has become the WBA welterweight champion after defeating Rolando Romero by majority decision in Las Vegas. Following the victory, a dispute has emerged regarding the next mandatory challenger.

British fighter Jack Catterall, who recently won the vacant WBA Regular title by defeating Shakhram Giyasov, has publicly called for a fight against Lopez. Catterall cited WBA rules suggesting he is next in line to face the champion.

However, Lopez has denied that Catterall is his mandatory challenger, claiming the British contender was misled about his rights. This denial contradicts previous WBA rulings that connected the titles and established a timeline for the winner of the secondary title to face the Super champion. While Lopez maintains the obligation does not exist, Catterall has expressed readiness to settle the matter in the ring.