It’s greater than 15 months because the Scottish fighter was final in motion, when he made a massively controversial first defence of his undisputed crown in opposition to Jack Catterall. Most consider the challenger ought to have gotten the choice that evening in Glasgow, but it surely was Taylor who bought the nod on the playing cards to maintain maintain of his belts and transfer to 19-0.
Since then the 32-year-old, who grew to become the UK’s first undisputed champion of the four-belt period when beating Jose Ramirez two years in the past, has vacated his IBF, WBA and WBC titles, opting in opposition to fulfilling his necessary necessities in favour of rematching Catterall.
That was set to happen earlier this 12 months, however Taylor picked up an harm and was then ordered by the WBO to defend his belt in opposition to Lopez, the previous unified light-weight champion, as an alternative.
The 25-year-old produced a sensational show to beat Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020, however misplaced these titles in his first defence in opposition to George Kambosos Jr and since then has moved up in weight to 140lbs, choosing up two low-key victories.
He now will get his likelihood to develop into a world champion once more, whereas Taylor appears to be like to rebuild a fame that has been considerably tarnished by the controversy surrounding his win over Catterall.
Taylor vs Lopez takes place tonight on Saturday June 10, 2023 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The principal undercard will not be on account of begin till round 1am BST on Sunday for battle followers within the UK, with ring walks for the principle occasion itself anticipated at round 4am BST. As ever although, these timings are topic to alter.
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TV channel: The battle shall be broadcast stay tonight on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Action within the UK, with protection getting underway at 1am BST within the early hours of Sunday morning.
Live stream: The Sky Go app will enable subscribers to look at on-line through a stay stream.
Taylor goes into the battle because the slight favorite, however he has loads of inquiries to reply regardless of being a former undisputed champion who has by no means misplaced as an expert.
The Scot is clearly tight at 140lbs, with a transfer up in weight anticipated within the close to future, and he has had harm points which have hampered the deliberate rematch with Catterall. Taylor has additionally fought simply as soon as up to now two years, a battle he ought to actually have misplaced.
He could have the scale benefit over Lopez, who has not been significantly spectacular in any respect since transferring to light-welterweight. He was dropped by Sandor Martin in December, earlier than ultimately getting the job accomplished on factors, and a repeat of that show won't be anyplace close to adequate right here.
Taylor at his greatest definitely has the power to increase his unbeaten file, however neither are coming into the bout in peak type. We’re going for the champion to defend his title on the finish of a aggressive 12 rounds.
Taylor to win, through unanimous determination.
Lopez tipped the scales at 140lbs precisely in New York on Friday, whereas Taylor got here in barely lighter at 139.8lbs.
Taylor to win: 1/2
Lopez to win: 13/8
Draw: 16/1
Taylor to win by KO/TKO: 23/10
Lopez to win by KO/TKO: 5/1
Taylor to win by factors or determination: 13/8
Lopez to win by factors or determination: 16/5
Odds through Betfair (topic to alter).
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