WBA orders Teofimo Lopez to defend welterweight title against Jack Catterall

The WBA has ordered Teofimo Lopez to defend his welterweight world title against Jack Catterall, setting an October 22 deadline for the two sides to reach an agreement. BBC Sport reported that negotiations will move to a purse bid if no deal is reached, giving the British mandatory challenger a route towards another world-title opportunity.

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Lopez won the WBA's 'super' welterweight championship by beating Rolando Romero on points last month. The American has been pursuing a unification fight with WBC champion Ryan Garcia instead, but the governing body's latest ruling calls for Catterall to be his next opponent. The order concerns who Lopez must face, rather than confirming that a fight has been agreed.

Catterall secured his mandatory position in May, when he defeated Shakhram Giyasov to become the WBA's 'regular' title-holder and number one challenger. The 33-year-old acknowledged the ruling with a brief message directed at Lopez on X. His status puts him first in line under the WBA order while the negotiations take place.

The Chorley boxer previously challenged for a world championship in 2022, losing a controversial decision to Josh Taylor, who was then the undisputed light-welterweight champion. Catterall's professional record stands at 33 wins, including 14 stoppages, and two defeats. His only other loss came against American Arnold Barboza Jr.

Lopez, 29, has won world championships in three weight divisions. He also has two career defeats: a points loss to George Kambosos Jr in 2021 and a decision defeat by Shakur Stevenson in January. His subsequent victory over Romero placed him in the WBA championship position now subject to the mandatory defence order.

His interest in Garcia was also visible earlier this month. Lopez attended the fight week for Garcia's bout against Conor Benn in Las Vegas and was prevented from entering the ring after Garcia's quick victory, according to BBC Sport.

A Catterall fight is not guaranteed. BBC Sport reported that Lopez could leave negotiations and relinquish the belt, potentially allowing Catterall to be elevated to world champion. For now, the confirmed step is the WBA's order and the deadline for an agreement, not a completed deal between the boxers.