![](https://www.tennessean.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/06/24/NDHE/74199089007-teofimo-lopez-smiles-2.jpg?crop=1799,1012,x0,y0&width=660&height=372&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
The Takeover had a career night in Miami Beach on Saturday.
Teofimo Lopez, defended his WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight titles by unanimous decision in a dominant performance over Canadian veteran Steve Claggett at the James L. McKnight Center. The judges’ scorecards were 120-108, 120-108, and 119-109 all for Lopez.
“I’m just very grateful, really. He’s a tough fighter. I don’t think anyone should overlook him,” Lopez said after the fight. “I knew that coming into this. See everybody is talking about these other fighters that I just feel like I’m not interested in. I want to fight. Look at this, look what we gave the fans out here.”
Lopez dominated from start to finish, winning every round on two judges’ scorecards and all but one round on the third card. Claggett was expected to be aggressive and he lived up to expectations, pressuring Lopez from the start.
Lopez responded well to the pressure of Claggett the entire fight though, countering Claggett to perfection. Lopez threw a career high 946 punches and landed a career high 315, in what turned out to be a one-sided outing.
Claggett’s chin in large part held strong, but despite pushing the pace all 12 rounds, Lopez was beating Claggett to the punch in almost every exchange.
Lopez mentioned a potential move up to welterweight after the fight, stating the weight cut for this fight was difficult. The more intriguing fights for Lopez do lie at 140 pounds though, with three different champions holding titles.
“To be real, I’m going to be frank with you guys, I feel like this weight cut and everything my body’s growing and although it doesn’t look like I can handle my own at 147, I believe I can,” Lopez said in the ring afterwards. “I truly believe I can and I want these great champions. Hey, whoever it is, whatever it is, ‘The Takeover,’ we don’t dodge nobody.”
Besides Lopez, the 140-pound champions include Issac Cruz, Liam Paro and the recently elevated Alberto Puello, each potentially intriguing matchups for Lopez if he decides to remain at junior welterweight.
Check below for live updates from throughout the Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett card.
Teofimo Lopez celebrates win with signature backflip
Teofimo Lopez defeated Steve Claggett by unanimous decision to retain his lineal status at junior welterweight and his WBO and Ring Magazine titles. He celebrated his second defense of the WBO 140-pound title with a signature backflip off the ropes, reminiscent of Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis’ celebration following his recent win over Frank Martin.
The scorecards were 120-108, 120-108, and 119-109 all for Lopez in a dominant performance.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett live updates
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Round 12
Entering the final round, only a knockout can win it for Claggett at this point, could very well be a shutout for Lopez. Lopez has landed a career high 287 shots so far. Claggett lands a few strong shots to open the final round. Teofimo finding some success in the middle of the ring, landing a few shots midway through the round. Claggett never stopped pressing him, but Lopez shined, throwing a career high in punches in what will be a comfortable win for Lopez in his second title defense.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Round 11
Into the championship rounds and the fight has grown somewhat monotonous. Teofimo cruising to victory as things stand. Lopez has landed over 250 punches and thrown over 800, both career highs. Lopez still unloading combinations despite fighting on his back foot primarily. Lopez still just beating Claggett to the punch, picking his spots to unload well and connecting at a high rate.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Round 10
Whole fight has basically gone to the same tune so far, with Claggett nonstop pressuring Lopez, but Lopez outlanding Claggett on the counter. Either Claggett’s chin is elite, or Lopez just doesn’t have the same venom in his shots as he did at lightweight. It’s looking more so like Claggett’s chin is just holding up to some great shots from Lopez. Lopez looks fine to let the fight play out as it has been, but finishes the round with a nice combination.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Round 9
Claggett looked shaken up for the first time at the end of that round. Lopez has landed 195 power punches so far. Teofimo has been digging to the body when Claggett gets him up against the ropes, freeing up some space. Lopez is content to sit back and let Claggett come, and it’s worked so far as he’s found lots of success on the counter. Claggett unable to hurt Lopez through nine.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Round 8
Claggett is fighting exactly the way he wants to; it’s just not working quite how he would’ve hoped. Lopez has spent more time this fight on the ropes than in the center of the ring it seems, but his timing at close range has been great. Claggett doing just enough to take some of the sting off a lot of Lopez’s connects though. Pressure of Claggett leading to connects, but Teofimo counters with even better shots. Lopez buzzes Claggett in the final minute with an uppercut, forcing Claggett to briefly take a step back. Strong finish to the round for Lopez.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Round 7
So far, it’s been all Lopez in a much better outing than we saw from him in February. Claggett has stood up to all of Lopez’s shots well though. Nice right hand by Lopez inside the second minute of the round. Lopez follows that with a nice uppercut but Claggett responds with some shots of his own. Lopez just one step ahead fighting on the inside, another good round for him.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Round 6
Lopez is outlanding Claggett 123-67 through five rounds. Good start to the round for Claggett, who’s avoiding the counters of Lopez well in the opening minute. Lopez continues to find ways to land when Claggett opens up to throw. Claggett will end up outthrowing Lopez most likely, but Lopez is being very smart with the shots he does throw and he’s still upped his average output significantly. Another good round of countering Claggett’s pressure for Lopez.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Round 5
Teofimo starts out the round landing some nice shots while backed into the corner. Lopez threw over 100 punches last round, the first time he’s done so in his career. Fight is going how Claggett would want stylistically, Lopez is just getting the better of him, landing often while under the fire of Claggett. Lopez punching in between Claggett’s punches really well so far.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Round 4
Teofimo using his legs, but not overly relying on movement, comfortable standing and countering as well. Claggett lands when he gets Lopez on the ropes, but is yet to really faze Lopez with anything. Claggett gets tagged with an uppercut to the body heading into the final minute, solid shot. Lopez comfortable in there now, strong round for him.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Round 3
Claggett still being outlanded, but throwing more shots than Lopez. Teofimo looking more comfortable on the ropes this round, landing some solid shots on the counter in the opening minute. Nice uppercut from Lopez midway through gets Claggett’s attention. Claggett’s spent this entire fight in the face of Lopez, but he’s beginning to get tagged more and more. Good round for Lopez, once again responding well to Claggett’s pressure.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Round 2
Lopez outlanded Claggett 16-10 in round one, landing at a higher efficiency too. Lopez unable to push Claggett off of him thus far. Lopez smiling in the ring as Claggett promptly lands a jab. Lopez up against the ropes, but counterpunching well. Lopez beginning to find his timing, landing a few nice shots in the final minute. Claggett’s pressure still effective, but better good round countering for the champion.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett: Round 1
Lopez looks in good spirits, as he aims to improve upon a lack luster outing against Jamaine Ortiz in February. Claggett living up to expectations and pushing the pace, pressuring Lopez incessantly. Claggett having some success pressuring Lopez early on, not connecting on anything significant but landing shots. Lopez seemingly going to have to fight this one in a phone booth. Lopez landed some solid shots on counter, but good opening round for Claggett.
Teofimo Lopez ring walks to Michael Jackson’s Beat It
Lopez continued his tradition of unique ring walks Saturday night, entering the ring in a white tuxedo-styled robe with gold trim.
Michael Jackson’s hit “Beat It” was playing over the speakers as Lopez danced in the tunnel and on his way into the ring, looking fresh ahead of his second title defense. Lopez’s last ring walk in February featured a mock circus performing around him as he made his way to the ring, with tonight’s being decidedly more tame.
Frank Gore and more ringside for Teofimo Lopez fight
The stars are out in Miami as Teofimo Lopez takes on Steve Claggett for the WBO and Ring Magazine 140-pound titles.
Football legends Frank Gore and Despond Howard were spotted ringside ahead of the main event. They were joined by boxing legends including Riddick Bowe and Fernando Vargas.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett undercard results
- Robeisy Ramirez def. Brandon Benitez by KO-7
- Nico Ali Walsh def. Sona Akale by unanimous decision
Robeisy Ramirez beats Brandon Benitez by knockout
Robeisy Ramirez finished Brandon Benitez with a crumbling uppercut in the seventh round to improve to 14-2 and secure a rematch against WBO featherweight champion Rafael Espinoza.
It was all Ramirez from the opening bell, who proved to be leagues above Benitez. He picked Benitez apart for the opening six rounds, timing his combinations to perfection while remaining defensively responsible. Benitez struggled to land anything of note on Ramirez who landed consistently all fight long.
Ramirez now looks set for a rematch against Espinoza, who took his title last December, sometime later this year. Espinoza won by knockout last Friday in an impressive performance against Sergio Chirino.
Robeisy Ramirez vs Brandon Benitez: Round 7
Ramirez just on a different level than Benitez so far. 78-26 power punch connect advantage through six for Ramirez. Ramirez beating Benitez to the punch, literally, when Benitez opens up to throw. Midway through and Ramirez lands a handful on shots through Benitez’s guard. To Benitez’s credit he’s taken the shots well, still getting shutout. Knockdown in the final thirty seconds! An uppercut from Ramirez sends Benitez down and he doesn’t beat the count! KO-7 win for Ramirez.
Robeisy Ramirez vs Brandon Benitez: Round 6
Halfway through and it’s been a shutout for Ramirez, who’s outlanding Benitez 79-24. Ramirez not only bringing fight to Benitez, but countering Benitez’s attacks well. Ramirez lands a big counter left hand, midway through the round. Ramirez doing a good job to cover up on the inside, not allowing much room for Benitez to land.
Robeisy Ramirez vs Brandon Benitez: Round 5
Ramirez is not a big puncher, but this seems like a fight he could get a stoppage in. Benitez’s nose is bleeding, he’s taken a lot of jabs this fight. Benitez continues to stay in front of Ramirez, but he’s more or less getting picked apart, landing occasionally but taking a whole lot from Ramirez. Ramirez’s combinations too much for Benitez.
Robeisy Ramirez vs Brandon Benitez: Round 4
Ramirez landed 26 power punches in round three. Fight isn’t being fought in a phone booth necessarily, but all the action has been at close range. Ramirez outlanding Benitez 47-11 through three. Ramirez’s combination punching just too much for Benitez, as he looks in total control. Benitez can’t seem to land anything significant on Ramirez, while Ramirez lands almost at will. One sided so far.
Robeisy Ramirez vs Brandon Benitez: Round 3
Ramirez upped his connects to 14 in round two. Opening thirty seconds and Ramirez catches Benitez with a nice combination, buzzing him, but Benitez stands strong. Ramirez seems to find a home for at least one shot in every combination he throws, just timing his shots to perfection at close range. Benitez doing some decent work to the body, but is getting hit often.
Robeisy Ramirez vs Brandon Benitez: Round 2
Ramirez outlanded Benitez 6-2 in a slow round one. Ramirez is quick to counter any Benitez attacks, finding some success. Benitez picking his spots to unload short combinations. Ramirez is the better fighter and it seems like he knows it, sharp with his punches and confident with his pressure. Good round for Ramirez.
Robeisy Ramirez vs Brandon Benitez: Round 1
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez looks to bounce back from a title fight defeat to Rafael Espinoza last December. Benitez is certainly a tune-up opponent, with an Espinoza rematch looming. Slow start but Ramirez is applying the majority of pressure. Not much action, Ramirez likely edges it with a few solid connects.
Nico Ali Walsh gets revenge on Sona Akale
Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, defeated Sona Akale by unanimous decision, getting revenge on his lone career loss last August. The judges’ scorecards were 58-55, 57-56 and 57-56 all for Ali Walsh.
Ali Walsh started the fight strong, securing a knockdown in round three, which ultimately proved to be crucial. Akale came back and finished the fight strong, landing some big shots across the final three rounds. The knockdown is what won it for him, with Ali Walsh winning by just a point on two cards.
He said afterwards he was offered a contract by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions, but declined it to continue fighting real fighters with Top Rank.
Nico Ali Walsh vs Sona Akale: Round 6
Akale will want to build on the momentum from the end of that last round, likely needing a KO to win. Akale outlanded Ali Walsh 31-18 last round. Ali Walsh looks to have dislocated his shoulder this round, slamming his glove into his shoulder, seemingly trying to pop it back into place. He’s switching southpaw to try and avoid lifting that left arm. It’s clearly bothering Ali Walsh but Akale hasn’t been able to jump on it. Not a bad round for Ali Walsh given he only had use of one arm for most of it.
Nico Ali Walsh vs Sona Akale: Round 5
Akale at the point in this six rounder where he needs a knockout to win. Akale gets Ali Walsh against the ropes in the opening thirty seconds and unloads, landing a handful of impactful shots. Ali Walsh’s face looks marked up after that exchange early in the round. Final thirty seconds now and Akale begins unloading bombs on Ali Walsh, again landing quite a few. Ali Walsh stands firm but took some mean shots. Good round for Akale.
Nico Ali Walsh vs Sona Akale: Round 4
Akale looks to have his legs, but that knockdown definitely fazed him. Akale coming after Ali Walsh midway through the round, getting him on the ropes but unable to capitalize. Ali Walsh doesn’t look worried about what’s coming at him. Solid bounce back round for Akale, who landed some nice shots, although Ali Walsh landed his fair share as well.
Nico Ali Walsh vs Sona Akale: Round 3
Ali Walsh using his size to keep some space, being the bigger man. Akale looks to be building the pressure, but Ali Walsh looks comfortable. The fight opens up in the last minute with Akale catching Walsh on the ropes and Ali Walsh responding with a shot that knocks Akale’s mouthpiece out. Just after the mouthpiece goes back in, Ali Walsh sends Akale to the canvas with a big left hand. Akale beats the count and survives the round. 10-8 round for Ali Walsh.
Nico Ali Walsh vs Sona Akale: Round 2
Ali Walsh outlanded Akale, 15-11, in the first round. The fight is staying in the midrange, with neither fighter looking particularly eager to get inside. Akale looking to land the left hook but hasn’t had much success yet. Ali Walsh doing some nice work to the body that round. Relatively uneventful round.
Nico Ali Walsh vs Sona Akale: Round 1
Ali Walsh looks to avenge his lone career loss, which came last August to Akale. Both fighters unloading occasional quick combinations, Ali Walsh looks sharp, but yet to land anything significant. Each fighter landed a few nice shots, probably Ali Walsh’s round, but Akale looks game.
How to watch Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett fight?
Top Rank’s boxing card from Miami headlined by Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN+ on Saturday, June 29.
![Teofimo Lopez smiles during his most recent bout against Jamaine Ortiz on February 8. Lopez won the fight by unanimous decision, defending his WBO and Ring Magazine titles, although the performance drew plenty of criticism as Lopez did not look at his best.](https://www.tennessean.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/06/24/NDHE/74199089007-teofimo-lopez-smiles-2.jpg?width=660&height=472&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
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Teofimo Lopez fight time, ring walks
The Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett fight card begins at 9 p.m. CT, with the main event ring walks expected at approximately 10:30 p.m. CT.
- Fight card start: 9 p.m. CT
- Lopez vs. Claggett ring walks: approx. 10:30 p.m. CT
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett fight location
The Teofimo Lopez vs. Steve Claggett fight will take place at the James L. McKnight Center in Miami Beach, Florida. This will be the first major boxing event held at the venue since Roberto Duran fought there in 1987.
- Location: James L. McKnight Center, Miami Beach, FL
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett full fight card
The undercard of Lopez-Claggett will feature the return of former featherweight champion Robeisy Ramirez, as well as a rematch between Nico Ali Walsh, Muhammad Ali’s grandson, and Sona Akale.
- Main event: Teofimo Lopez (20-1, 13 KOs) vs. Steve Claggett (38-7-2, 26 KOs); WBO junior welterweight title
- Co-main: Robeisy Ramirez (13-2, 8 KOs) vs. Brandon Benitez (21-2, 9 KOs)
- Nico Ali Walsh (9-1, 5 KOs) vs. Sona Akale (9-1, 4 KOs)
![Teofimo Lopez (center left) and Steve Claggett (center right) stand with the stars of Saturday's co-main event, Robeisy Ramirez (far left) and Brandon Benitez (far right), ahead of their fights on Top Rank's card from Miami Beach.](https://www.tennessean.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/06/27/NDHE/74236642007-robeisy-ramirez-teofimo-lopez-steve-claggett-brandon-benitez-pose.jpg?width=660&height=472&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett fight prediction
Lopez is leagues better than Claggett on paper, although the same would’ve been said in regard to Sandor Martin, whom Lopez narrowly defeated on the cards in 2022.
The good thing for Lopez is Claggett doesn’t fight like Martin, or Jamaine Ortiz. While both of those fighters utilized movement to keep Lopez off of them, Claggett is a come forward, aggressive type of fighter, which should be perfect for Lopez.
Lopez has shown that when he has a target in front of him, capable of being hit, he can be dynamic on offense, timing his punches to perfection and dismantling his opponent. Claggett’s only ever been knocked out once, but he’s also never faced a fighter like Lopez. We see Lopez having little trouble, as he picks Claggett apart on the way to a late stoppage win.
Predictions: Lopez def. Claggett by KO-10; Ramirez def. Benitez by UD; Ali Walsh def. Akale UD
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett fight odds
Teofimo Lopez is a -1100 favorite to win the fight on DraftKings, while Steve Claggett is +650 to pull the upset. The over/under on rounds is 10.5.
- Lopez by KO/TKO: -145
- Lopez by decision: +160
- Claggett by KO/TKO: +1100
- Claggett by decision: +1600
Odds via DraftKings, as of June 25
Teofimo Lopez fight record
Teofimo Lopez is 20-1 with 13 wins by way of knockout.
Lopez is the current lineal junior welterweight champion, holding the WBO and Ring Magazine 140-pound titles. He’s a former unified lightweight world champion, having held three of the four lightweight belts before suffering his first career defeat to George Kambosos in 2021.
Lopez moved up in weight in 2022 and last summer he defeated former undisputed 140-pound champion Josh Taylor in convincing fashion to claim the WBO title and a spot atop the division.
![Teofimo Lopez smiles at a fight week press conference ahead of his June 29 junior welterweight title defense against Steve Claggett in the main event of Top Rank's card from Miami Beach.](https://www.tennessean.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2024/06/27/NDHE/74236640007-teofimo-lopez-smiles.jpg?width=660&height=472&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Steve Claggett fight record
Steve Claggett is 38-7-2 with 26 wins by knockout.
Claggett has been a professional since 2008 and has taken on some solid contenders throughout his career, prevailing in some of those bouts, but suffering a defeat in quite a few others. Claggett is on a nine fight winning streak, picking up four wins in 2023 and another win in January of this year.
Teofimo Lopez vs Steve Claggett weigh-in results
Teofimo Lopez weighed in at 139.4 pounds at Friday’s weigh-in, while his opponent Steve Claggett weighed 139.5 pounds.
The junior welterweight limit is 140 pounds.
Teofimo Lopez stats
Lopez’s inconsistency in recent fights have slumped his numbers slightly, but he still stacks up well against the best at 140-pounds.
Lopez lands 30.8% of his punches, middle of the road among the top fighters at junior welterweight. Lopez does not do a ton of work behind his jab, throwing 18.8 per round and landing just 14.9% of those shots. It’s power punches where Lopez shines.
Lopez throws an average of 24.7 power punches per round, landing 42.9% of those shots, best among junior welterweight champions. Lopez’s defense is solid, as he only gets hit with an average of 9.4 punches per round, with his opponents landing just 24.4% of shots against him.
Teofimo Lopez’s last fight
Lopez last entered the ring on February 8, when he had his first 140-pound title defense against respected contender Jamaine Ortiz.
While Ortiz had previously impressed in a loss to Vasiliy Lomachenko, he employed a different gameplan against Lopez, moving around the ring and doing a good job to evade the pressure of Lopez. The entirety of the fight, Lopez was simply unable to cut of the ring and prevent Ortiz from moving out of danger.
It was not an exciting fight from either boxer, but many thought Ortiz did enough to edge a victory on the cards. Instead, Lopez retained his titles with a unanimous decision victory, in an overall uninspired performance.
Harrison Campbell covers boxing for The Tennessean and high school sports for The Daily Herald. Email him at hcampbell@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @hccamp.