Teofimo Lopez positive for COVID-19, fight postponed

Teofimo Lopez tested positive for COVID-19 days before his June 19 title defense against George Kambosos. The contest has been postponed. 

The world might be getting back to normal following more than a year of devastation due to the pandemic, but the virus is still a problem. Days before the undisputed lightweight champion was set to defend his title, Teofimo Lopez tested positive for COVID-19, and his fight has been postponed.

Lopez (16-0, 12 KOs) is a young, 23-year-old champion who’s quickly becoming one of boxing’s biggest stars. He outpointed Vasiliy Lomachenko in October of 2020 to win all of the lightweight titles. He was set to fight George Kambosos on Triller on Saturday, June 19, but The Athletic’s Mike Coppinger was the first to report Lopez’s positive COVID-19 test result.

Triller later confirmed this news via a press release.

Teofimo Lopez tested positive for COVID during fight week, and his contest with George Kambosos has been rescheduled

“Undisputed Lightweight World Champion Teofimo Lopez has tested positive for symptomatic COVID-19, and his highly anticipated defense against Mandatory Challenger George Kambosos has been rescheduled for August 14, 2021, at a location to be determined,” stated Triller’s press release. “Presented by Triller Fight Club, the boxing and music pay-per-view extravaganza was set to emanate this Saturday, June 19 from loanDepot park, home of the Miami Marlins.”

The new date for Lopez vs. Kambosos is Saturday, Aug. 14. This is the second time that the fight has moved dates. Kambosos (19-0, 10 KOs) took to social media to voice his disappointment. He cited 13 weeks away from his family and other inconveniences as part of his frustration.

“Absolutely devastated,” read part of Kambosos’s message on Twitter. “I will be Champion. Thank you to everyone for the support world wide.”

Two months is a long time to postpone a fight, but Lopez’s health is top priority. He was described as being “symptomatic” in Triller’s press release. Lopez has yet to release any messages to the public.