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It could sound like a boxing cliché, but fight fans can anticipate nonstop action on Saturday night thanks to a perfect clash of styles between Teofimo Lopez and Steve Claggett for the WBO junior welterweight title (ESPN and ESPN+, 10 p.m. ET, undercard at 5:45 p.m. ET on ESPN+).
Lopez brings an ultra-athletic, hard-hitting, counterpunching style that thrives on sluggers who willingly engage, such as Pedro Campa -- Lopez's first foe at 140 pounds -- whom Lopez stopped in seven rounds in 2022. His challenger, Claggett, typically has one strategic plan: to engage in a high-pace pursuit. He puts all of his faith into his punch output, stamina and strong chin, usually overwhelming his opponents while living primarily in close proximity to them at all times.
Will Lopez's championship experience, power, and timely counterpunching be enough? Or can Claggett, with his punches-in bunches style trouble Lopez and keeps him away for all 12 rounds? Here's a look at the matchup and what each fighter could do to win.
An opportunity to take over the 140-pound divisionIn his last outing, Lopez encountered a versatile and fleet-footed specialist in top contender Jamaine Ortiz, who opted for a cautious keep-away strategy. It frustrated Lopez at times and blunted his offense while showcasing what could be described as escapology skills. While Lopez managed to secure a unanimous decision victory, many observers, including myself, felt Ortiz's tactical appetite for ring generalship outshined Lopez's aggression, highlighting the challenges Lopez faces against southpaw boxers he has to track down.
Now, with the 140-pound division undergoing a shift following Subriel Matias's unanimous decision upset loss to Liam Paro and Devin Haney contemplating a move to 147 after a majority decision loss to Ryan Garcia that was later changed to a no contest following Garcia's positive test for the banned substance ostarine, Lopez could have an opportunity to reclaim his status as the division's main attraction and a top pound-for-pound fighter.
The road to undisputed supremacy in the 140-pound division is full of uncertainty with endless possibilities of exciting matchups. New champions Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz, a relentless pressure fighter, and technical southpaw boxer Paro are in the mix along with intriguing contenders Sandor Martin, a tactical southpaw boxer, and well-rounded boxers Arnold Barboza and 41-year-old hard-punching southpaw Ismael Barroso.
Martin, who recently was ordered to face Alberto Puello for the WBC title after Haney was named "champion in recess" by the governing body, presents a crafty obstacle for Puello or any fighter eyeing titles. Martin's tenacity and skill set make him a threat, evidenced by his previous encounters with top-tier fighters such as former four-division champion Mikey Garcia in 2021 and Lopez, the reigning lineal champion, in 2022.
However, if Lopez is the fighter we believe him to be, he shouldn't face many difficulties against Claggett.
How can Claggett score an upset?Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs) has been on a tear, with his last loss occurring three years ago in a rematch against Mathieu Germain in May 2021. Since then, he's defeated several fringe contenders, while maintaining an active schedule with four fights in 2023. He's now preparing for his second match of 2024, just five months after he was last in the ring, a second-round TKO of Marcos Gonzalez in January.
This continuous activity has kept his career moving forward, and he has been working hard to get his opportunity against Lopez. Engaging in back-to-back training camps is helping him focus and rededicate his life to boxing. Claggett has honed his pressuring style skills through consistent practice and competition. His tools have sharpened, losses have become lessons and his confidence remains high. His stamina and endurance have built up, but despite being 35 years old with a 16-year career, Claggett, of Alberta, Canada, hasn't gone the championship distance of 12 rounds.
Facing the heavy hands of the seasoned young champion Lopez, 26, for 12 rounds could be a tough task for Claggett. This will be Lopez's eighth 12-round fight, five of which have gone the distance. Championship experience brings significant changes both in and out of the ring, including handling the fight hype, media obligations, travel and leaving one's comfort zone to fight away from home while still making weight.
Claggett's track record when traveling and fighting in the United States is a bit discouraging, as he is 1-4 under those circumstances. That suggests he doesn't travel well, which could give Lopez an additional mental advantage. This fight will test whether Claggett's recent momentum, desire and swarming style can overcome Lopez's skill, explosive counterpunching and championship experience.
How the fight can play outIn a nutshell, Claggett will provide numerous offensive opportunities for Lopez to exploit. Lopez's strengths in countering, timing, punch placement and power can easily override Claggett's volume-based aggression. Claggett fights from an orthodox stance, using his lead jab to close the distance before unleashing combinations to the head and body. His offensive approach doubles as a layer of defense, supplemented by his consistent upper-body and head movement, adding an elusive element to his game. While he's not explosive, Claggett's consistency compensates for his lack of overall skill and raw punching power. In most of his battles, his offense has had an accumulative effect on his opponents, as evidenced by his 68.4% knockout ratio.
But the biggest question remains: Does Claggett have a chance of beating Lopez? The answer largely depends more on Lopez's physical condition than Claggett's skills. Lopez is more skillful, without question. However, physical readiness closely coincides with mental readiness, and Claggett's relentless pressure will force a high-paced fight, requiring Lopez to counter, move, tie up frequently -- and not make any mistakes.
These offensive and defensive tactics demand a well-conditioned body and an overloaded anaerobic cardiovascular system to sustain explosive offensive surges throughout the 12 rounds. Anything less could spell trouble for Lopez, who has been open about his struggles with asthma. Therefore, while Claggett's consistent aggression and pressure could pose a significant challenge, Lopez's superior skills, ring IQ in countering and sharpshooting, combined with his youth and championship experience give him the edge -- but only if he is in top physical form.
Who wins?Fans should prepare for the "Teofimo Show" of explosive punching with creativity, delivering a heart-stopping knockout before the eighth round.
