Teofimo Lopez successful in return, stops Pedro Campa in 7 (video)

Teofimo Lopez made a triumphant return to the ring since losing his lightweight titles. He showed speed and power in stopping Pedro Campa in round 7. 

Teofimo Lopez lost his undisputed lightweight boxing status in November 2021, but his first trip back to the ring was victorious.

Lopez (17-1, 13 KOs) stopped Pedro Campa in round 7 via TKO at Resorts World in Las Vegas, NV. He showed his trademark combination of speed and power as he broke down the bigger Campa round by round.

Before losing to George Kambosos Jr., Lopez looked like one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. He out-fought Vasiliy Lomachenko to become the undisputed lightweight champion but dropped the titles in his first defense to Kambosos via split decision.

Lopez didn’t follow an intelligent fight plan against Kambosos, and it turned out that he entered the ring with a tear in his esophagus, which could have resulted in serious injury, according to an ESPN report.

Lopez hadn’t fought in nine months but selected little-regarded Pedro Campa as his first bout back. It also acted as Lopez’s debut at super lightweight.

Teofimo Lopez stops Pedro Campa via round 7 TKO in Top Rank ESPN main event

Campa (34-2-1, 23) showed grit as he continuously advanced on Lopez, but he lacked the skills and pedigree to defeat Lopez. Campa lacked notable opponents and was a step too slow for Lopez.

Lopez fought cautiously to begin the contest but started to open up in round 4. His speed allowed him to pick Campa apart.

https://twitter.com/trboxing/status/1558661108935770112?s=20&t=Z2khzBZjqbjfR8bt3crCZg

In round 7, Lopez dropped Campa with an upward-moving jab. Campa got up, but Lopez stepped up his attack. He trapped Campa on the ropes and belted him with vicious combinations.

Campa’s left eye was swelling shut, and his nose poured blood as Lopez landed with lefts and rights. Referee Tony Weeks saw enough and stopped the match at 2:14 of round 7.

Lopez showed that he’s an elite boxer but needs a win over a top-tier opponent to prove that he’s back with the same confidence he had before the Kambosos’ loss. It was a good return for Lopez, but there’s more work to do.