Ryan Garcia Lines Up Teofimo Lopez for Welterweight Unification Match

This is great but hardly surprising news if it happens. Lopez appeared in disguise at a Garcia-Benn press conference, to press his claim for a shot against the winner. Garcia appeared to welcome the challenge.

Of course, they're both champions, with Lopez recently acquiring his WBA belt in a lopsided win over Rolly Romero, but everyone knows that Garcia would be the "A" side.

Garcia is arguably the hottest property in world boxing today. He's one of those rare fighters whose popularity has transcended the sport. He is a social media phenomenon with matinee idol looks.

Lopez is well respected in boxing circles, but was treated like a nobody when he attempted to show up for the Garcia vs Benn match. It's hard to imagine Garcia getting bundled out by security in the way that the indignant Lopez was.

But just because Teofimo's profile is lower, it doesn't mean he can't win. He'll be a huge underdog for sure. Garcia's two most recent performances against Conor Benn and Mario Barrios showed he is at the absolute peak of his powers. His famous, blindingly-fast, left hook counter has now been accompanied by a right hand of equal ferocity. 

While Lopez doesn't have the same flashy skills and power, he is an extremely accomplished champion, with a wealth of top level experience. If anyone can find a way of nullifying Ryan, it's Lopez.

If the contest is officially announced, it will be well received by everyone, except for Britain's Jack Catterall. Lopez has been ordered to defend his WBA belt against Catterall next. Jack is considering legal action if he is passed over, and the WBA may strip Lopez of his title if he opts for the Garcia fight.

The WBA says it is committed to granting Jack his challenge next, because their welterweight super champion, Rolly Romero was allowed one voluntary defence before facing the winner of Caterall and Giyasov. Lopez beat Romero and inherited that obligation.

Teofimo is seeking permission to target Garcia first, on the grounds that it's a bigger fight. That's true, but it doesn't change any contractual realities. 

Even more galling for Caterall is the fact that Lopez came into the Rolly fight off the back of a loss. Caterall believes he was denied the shot he'd earned against Romero. And now it's Lopez and not him on the threshold of a megafight with Garcia.

But I suspect that Garcia-Lopez will go ahead even if the WBA does strip Lopez. Such is the star power of Ryan, one fewer belt up for grabs won't prevent the fight from doing great numbers.

Caterall it seems, will have to wait. And at 33, he is not getting any younger.