Teofimo Lopez defeats Claggett to defend WBO junior welterweight title

Teofimo Lopez defeated Steve Claggett via unanimous decision (120-108, 120-108, 119-109) to retain the WBO junior welterweight championship Saturday night at the James L. Knight Center in Miami, Florida.

The victory marks the second time Lopez has defended his title since becoming champion in June 2023.

The fight opened quickly with Claggett looking to crowd Lopez and wear him down with a high tempo. Lopez matched the energy and then some, out-landing Claggett 287 to 52 before the final round while establishing a career high for punches thrown (100) in the fourth.

Lopez, now riding a five-fight winning streak, captured the WBO junior welterweight title 12 months ago with a dominant win over Josh Taylor. His professional boxing record improved to 21-1 overall.

Claggett, meanwhile, had his nine-fight winning streak snapped. The 35-year-old Canadian now owns a 38-8-2 record.