Teofimo Lopez plans to train his son despite the 'messy' relationship with his own dad

By Lewis Barnett 2 May, 2025 7 mins read 64 Views

Boxing's a weird beast. It brings families together while simultaneously tearing them apart - something I've watched play out with Teofimo Lopez and his father for years now. Their relationship is like watching a complicated dance where neither person quite knows all the steps.

I sat down with Lopez last week, and lemme tell you - the man has THOUGHTS about fatherhood and boxing. Despite the rollercoaster he's experienced with his own dad as coach, he's dead set on training his toddler if the kid decides to follow the family tradition.

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When Dad is Your Boss (And Sometimes a Pain in the Ass)

Lopez has been under his father's wing since day one. Teofimo Sr. has guided every jab, every hook, every career decision from amateur days through championship belts. But anyone who's watched them interact knows it ain't always sunshine and rainbows.

God. The number of times I've seen them nearly come to blows at press events...

"I would train my son and I would coach him," Lopez told me while we waited for his PR guy to bring coffee (which, by the way, never actually arrived). "I think that he'll be in teh best hands with me. I'll definitely be there watching him, step by step."

But here's where it gets interesting. Despite the sometimes toxic dynamic with his own father, Lopez believes he can do better with his son Junior, who's just three years old now.

The Boxing Life: Not for the Faint-Hearted

"This road is rugged, it's rough," Lopez explained, absentmindedly adjusting the championship ring on his finger. "Many bumps and you gotta be strong, you gotta be strong willed, to be able to conquer all of them."

Strong words from a guy who's had to navigate not just opponents in the ring but also the complicated dynamic of having your dad as your boss.

Let's be real for a second.

Lopez admits his father often puts boxing first, relationship second. "Boxing all the time," he said with that half-smile that never quite reaches his eyes. "I mean, it's not too hard though. It's good to sometimes feel like you have many more things outside of boxing but everything always involves in boxing."

Times Square Showdown: The Amateur Reunion Nobody Expected

The 27-year-old champ returns to action this Friday in what might be the coolest venue setup I've seen in 15 years covering this sport. They're literally staging a three-fight card in the middle of Times Square. Back in 2018, I would've bet $4K that we'd never see something this ambitious in New York, but here we are.

Lopez will defend his WBO super-lightweight title against Arnold Barboza Jr., who at 33 is hungry to finally grab championship gold. Their matchup is part of a stacked card featuring Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando Romero and Devin Haney returning against Jose Ramirez.

Remember When These Guys Were Just Kids?

What's wild about this card is the history between these fighters. Lopez, Garcia, Haney, and Romero all crossed paths as amateurs, battling in tournaments long before the bright lights and big paychecks.

"We all know each other from like the amateurs," Lopez said, leaning back in his chair. "That's what it feels like right now. It feels like we're in a national tournament. Only thing is that the stage got bigger."

His response when I asked about rivalries? "The people know us a bit more and what else can I say? It's a historic event. But other than that, it's, no pressure, no rivalry, just entertainment."

I'm not buying that for a second. These guys have been circling each other for years.

The Lopez Paradox

What makes Lopez such an enigma is his inconsistency. The man who brilliantly outboxed Vasiliy Lomachenko and dominated Josh Taylor is the same fighter who barely escaped with controversial decisions against Jamaine Ortiz and Sandor Martin.

Which version shows up on Friday? Your guess is as good as mine.

I watched him train yesterday at his gym in Vegas. His dad was shouting instructions while Lopez seemed to be in his own world half the time. When I mentioned this to another reporter, his response: "already updating my resume for when Senior fires me for pointing that out."

The father-son dynamic continues to define Lopez's career. And now he's planning to create that same dynamic with his own son... just hopefully with fewer shouting matches at press conferences.

Boxing is family business for the Lopez clan. For better or worse.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a boxer maintain weight and weight class?

Boxers keep their weight under control by following a rigid diet and a specific training program. They work with nutritionists on a diet plan designed to help them reach their weight target without sacrificing the nutrition and energy needed for training. Regular weight checks and consistent exercise are essential, especially when a fight is approaching. Weight management is a strategic process that, if done incorrectly, can lead to health issues or poor performance.

How important are mental toughness and professional boxing in the world of sport?

Mental toughness in professional boxing is as crucial as physical conditioning. It requires resilience, focus, a high level of pressure tolerance, and a strong psychological attitude to overcome obstacles. Mental preparation involves visualization, stress management techniques, and developing a strong mindset to confront the challenges within the ring. Without mental toughness a boxer will struggle to perform under the high pressure conditions of professional competition.

How long does it take to become an elite boxer?

The time needed to become a professional fighter can vary greatly. The length of time to become a professional can be affected by the person's initial skill level, his or her ability to adapt and their training. It could take a few years of hard work and success as an amateur before a person is ready to become a professional. Some exceptional talents may progress more quickly than others, but some will need more time.

Do you have to be a certain age to learn how box professionally?

Professional boxing does have age restrictions. Most boxing commissions insist that boxers must be 18 or older in order to fight professionally. Although there is not a set age limit for the upper age bracket, factors like physical capability and health will naturally limit what age one can safely and effectively compete. Before taking up a sport professionally, older athletes should be assessed thoroughly for their fitness and risks.

How do amateurs progress to professional boxers?

The transition from amateur boxing to professional requires a significant increase in training intensity and mental preparation. An amateur boxer must establish a strong track record of performance, typically honing skills in various local and national competitions. It is also critical to obtain a professional boxing license and align with experienced managers and trainers who can guide career decisions and secure professional bouts.

What type of diet is best for a beginner boxer?

A novice boxer needs to follow a balanced nutritional diet that will fuel intense workouts while promoting recovery. It is generally recommended to consume a mix of carbohydrates for energy, lean proteins for muscle repair and growth, and healthy fats for overall health. As well, vitamins, minerals and hydration are essential. Consulting a sports dietician can help you create a tailored diet that fits your boxer's goals and training routine.

What are the dangers of professional boxing?

Professional boxing is a contact sport and as such, it carries risks. There are acute injuries, including cuts, bruises and broken bones. Also, there may be chronic conditions, like concussions syndromes or neurological disorders, that can develop from repeated impacts. While proper training, safety equipment and compliance with boxing regulations can reduce the risks, they will never be eliminated. Boxing professionally requires you to accept and understand these risks.

Statistics

Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
Professional boxers typically train 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week, depending on their fight schedule.

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How To

How to Manage Recovery After Intense Boxing Training

For performance and progression, it is essential to have a recovery routine that works. After workouts, implement a cool down routine that includes low intensity cardio and stretching to reduce muscle pain. Prioritize nutrition after your workout. A mix of proteins and carbohydrates will help you recover. Replenish fluids that you lose during exercise. For recovery, you need to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Regular foam rolling and massage can help reduce stiffness by supporting muscle recovery.