Teofimo Lopez vs Devin Haney: The blockbuster fight canceled at the last minute

In a stunning turn of events, the highly anticipated super fight between Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney is now in serious doubt. Just as fans were beginning to get excited for a matchup that promised to shake up the junior welterweight division, a social media storm created by Lopez may have put the blockbuster bout in jeopardy. The dispute—centered around controversial tweets aimed at Turki Alalshikh, the Saudi Arabian sports advisor who has played a pivotal role in orchestrating recent major boxing events—has thrown the entire negotiation into limbo.

The Fight That Was Almost Official

According to veteran boxing insider Dan Rafael of Fight Freaks Unite, a deal for Teofimo Lopez vs Devin Haney was reportedly agreed upon in principle and expected to be finalized imminently. The targeted date was August 16, with Riyadh, Saudi Arabia penciled in as the venue—continuing Saudi Arabia’s recent run of hosting high-profile boxing showcases.

Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs), the current WBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight champion, and Haney (32-0, 15 KOs), the former undisputed lightweight and WBC junior welterweight champion, were on course for a compelling clash of styles and personalities. Both men have staked their claims as future pound-for-pound kings, and the bout was viewed as a defining moment for both.

But on Tuesday night, the same night Rafael reported the verbal agreement, Lopez took to X (formerly Twitter) in a fiery series of posts that may have torched the fight’s prospects.

Lopez’s Explosive Tweet Storm

In a late-night barrage, Teofimo Lopez took aim at several major figures in the boxing world, most notably Turki Alalshikh, the powerful figure who has become synonymous with elite-level boxing events in Saudi Arabia. In one now-deleted post, Lopez claimed he had been “fired” and appeared to criticize Alalshikh’s role in the sport’s current landscape. The tone and timing of the posts shocked both fans and insiders, given that Lopez was reportedly days—or even hours—away from signing a fight contract.

Adding to the chaos, Lopez also alleged that Jaron “Boots” Ennis, the IBF and WBA welterweight champion, had turned down a fight with him. That claim, like his rant about Alalshikh, was also later deleted.

Alalshikh’s Calm Response

In contrast to Lopez’s fiery outburst, Turki Alalshikh responded with a statement that, while indirect, seemed aimed at the situation. Through a translated post on X, Alalshikh stated:

“Not everything requires a response.”

Though subtle, the message carried significant weight in boxing circles. Given Alalshikh’s role as a kingmaker in modern boxing—having helped orchestrate mega-events like Fury vs Usyk and Joshua vs Ngannou—his opinion holds enormous influence over which fights get made, and where.

Lopez’s decision to target such a powerful figure may prove costly.

Fallout: Fight Now in Jeopardy

With the tweet storm making headlines, the previously agreed-upon terms for the Lopez vs Haney fight are reportedly being re-evaluated. Sources close to the negotiations suggest that the fight is now “in limbo,” with concerns over Lopez’s professionalism and reliability casting a shadow over the deal.

Promoters and organizers are now hesitant, particularly if Lopez has soured relationships with influential stakeholders like Alalshikh. Given the financial backing that Saudi Arabia provides for these massive events, losing that support could derail the fight entirely—or force it to be relocated with significantly less fanfare and financial reward.

The Stakes for Teofimo Lopez

This is not the first time Teofimo Lopez has found himself embroiled in controversy. A brilliant fighter with world-class skill, Lopez has also cultivated a reputation for being volatile and unpredictable outside the ring. His past disputes with promoters, issues with motivation, and erratic behavior have raised questions—even among fans—about his long-term focus and commitment to boxing.

That said, Lopez’s dominant unanimous decision victory over Arnold Barboza Jr. on May 2 at Times Square was seen as a return to form. He looked sharp, confident, and mentally locked in. That performance re-established him as one of the top fighters in the 140-pound division and made the prospect of a showdown with Haney all the more enticing.

But this recent outburst may have jeopardized everything.

What This Means for Devin Haney

For Devin Haney, the situation is equally frustrating. After moving up in weight and vacating his undisputed lightweight titles, Haney captured the WBC junior welterweight belt and then defeated former champion Jose Ramirez in an underwhelming but effective unanimous decision win—also on May 2.

Haney’s recent performances have drawn criticism for being methodical and cautious, and a fight against someone with Lopez’s explosive style was seen as an opportunity to win over critics and solidify his status as one of the sport’s elite.

Now, Haney may need to look for another opponent if the Lopez fight falls apart. That’s easier said than done, given that many of the top 140-pound fighters are already booked or hesitant to take short-notice fights.

Fan Reaction to the Drama

Boxing fans took to social media to vent their frustration. Many had circled Lopez vs Haney as one of the most anticipated matchups of 2024, and news that it might not happen has sparked widespread disappointment.

One user posted:

“Teofimo self-sabotaging again. Why tweet about Alalshikh if you’re about to sign the biggest fight of your career?”

Another added:

“Haney vs Lopez was the perfect clash. Now it’s just another ‘what-if’ in boxing. Sad to see fighters blow their own opportunities.”

Others have defended Lopez, suggesting that he may have valid grievances and deserves to speak his mind—even if it comes at a cost.

What’s Next?

At this stage, the Lopez vs Haney fight is not officially canceled, but it is on life support. Negotiations have reportedly stalled, and unless bridges can be rebuilt—especially between Lopez’s camp and Alalshikh—there’s a strong chance the fight will not materialize on August 16 in Saudi Arabia.

The best-case scenario? Lopez issues a public clarification or apology, and talks resume with urgency. But if tensions remain high or Alalshikh decides to walk away from the event, Haney may be forced to explore alternative opponents, possibly even making a temporary move up to welterweight.

Final Thoughts: Self-Sabotage or Strategic Play?

The situation surrounding Teofimo Lopez’s tweets and the fallout from them raises an important question: is this self-sabotage, or part of a bigger strategy? Some believe Lopez was trying to negotiate more leverage, or express frustration with the lack of transparency in boxing deals. Others see it as yet another case of talent being undermined by temperament.

Whatever the truth may be, the fact remains that boxing—once again—is in danger of losing a great fight not because of injuries or money, but because of ego and miscommunication.