No shocks in Miami Beach on Saturday as Teofimo Lopez retained his WBO and Ring Magazine super lightweight titles with a dominant 12-round unanimous decision win over a gutsy Steve Claggett. The official scores? A resounding 120-108, 120-108, and 119-109.
Lopez (21-1) put on a boxing clinic, expertly counterpunching on the backfoot. Neither fighter hit the canvas or suffered serious harm, but Claggett’s ability to withstand a barrage of punishment was the evening’s unexpected highlight.
“I knew he was coming to test my conditioning,” Lopez told ESPN+ after the bout. “He’s tough, and no one should underestimate him.”
The champ made a grand entrance in a makeshift silver tuxedo, and his performance sparkled from the first bell. Claggett came forward aggressively, throwing plenty of punches, but Lopez confidently picked him off with counters.
Claggett had a decent second round, landing a solid jab and some effective body shots. Lopez responded with a smile and a pair of powerful right hands that momentarily stopped Claggett in his tracks.
Although Lopez spent much of the fight on the ropes, his punches packed more authority. Claggett was game and showed more resilience than expected, but he absorbed quality shots, with Lopez deftly avoiding the worst of Claggett’s attacks.
Lopez’s uppercuts and body shots began to wear down Claggett. Despite not being able to completely discourage the challenger, Lopez’s skill was evident as he dodged and countered with precision.
By the fight’s midpoint, Lopez was putting more power into his shots, yet Claggett kept pressing forward. Vicious combinations snapped Claggett’s head back, highlighting the gulf in class between the fighters.
In the later rounds, the fight took on the feel of a sparring session. Claggett earned respect by pushing the champion for 36 minutes, though he was clearly outclassed. No shame in that.
This matchup seemed designed to let Lopez shine against an aggressive but hittable opponent. While it showcased Lopez’s skills, it didn’t add much to his pound-for-pound reputation.
“My body is growing, and although it might not look like it, I can handle 147,” Lopez said about moving up in weight. “I want the great champions at welterweight.”
Claggett, ever the warrior, now stands at 38-8-2.
Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett full card
- Teofimo Lopez (c.) def. Steve Claggett via UD 12 (120-108, 120-108, 119-109) for the WBO and Ring Magazine super lightweight titles
- Robeisy Ramirez def. Brandon Leon Benitez via KO 7 (2:46); Featherweights
- Nico Ali Walsh def. Sona Akale via UD 6 (58-55, 57-56, 57-56); Middleweights
- Yan Santana def. Brandon Valdes via UD 10 (98-91, 98-91, 96-93); Super Featherweights
- Elvis Rodriguez vs. Jino Rodrigo; Super Lightweights
- Rohan Polanco def. Luis Hernandez Ramos via TKO 2 (2:28); Welterweights
- Euri Cedeno def. Dormedes Potes via KO 1 (0:58); Middleweights
- Emiliano Vargas def. Jose Zaragoza via TKO 1 (1:32); Super Lightweights
- Lorenzo Medina def. Detrailous Webster via UD 6 (60-54, 60-53, 59-55); Heavyweights
