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Teofimo Lopez Signs With DAZN After Rejecting Zuffa’s MSG Theater Plan

Lopez says DAZN offered stronger pay and legal safeguards that better protect his career and help him pursue undisputed status at welterweight.

Overview

  • Lopez said Thursday that he has a direct deal with DAZN and will make his DAZN and welterweight debut against WBA champion Rolly Romero on August 22 at T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
  • He rejected an offer from Zuffa Boxing because the company proposed placing him on a card at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, which he called a downgrade after appearing before more than 22,000 fans in the MSG main arena.
  • Lopez told The Ariel Helwani Show that concerns about Zuffa’s dealings with boxing sanctioning bodies also influenced his decision.
  • He said the DAZN contract gave better financial terms plus audit rights and protections tied to the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, and that it preserves NIL, ownership and fight-rights provisions he values.
  • Lopez plans to use his DAZN platform to sign and support other fighters with benefits such as health insurance and stronger contractual protections, a move that may pressure promoters to offer clearer safeguards for boxers.