Teofimo Lopez could soon be ordered to face his mandatory challenger after dethroning Rolando Romero with a majority decision victory last weekend.

While the scorecards would suggest otherwise, many considered Lopez a clear winner against ‘Rolly’, who was making a first defence of his WBA welterweight title.

Besides round five, when he was seriously hurt by a Romero right hand, ‘The Takeover’ remained in control for the vast majority of their contest.

As such, he became a three-division world champion in his first outing at 147lbs, despite coming off a wide unanimous decision defeat to Shakur Stevenson in January.

But while Lopez has expressed an interest in unification matchesagainst the likes of Devin Haney and winner of Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn, he may need to pump the breaks and accommodate a mandatory obligation.

This is because Jack Catterall, who claimed the WBA ‘regular’ strap against Shakhram Giyasov in May, is due to secure his shot at the full world title by November 19.

Taking to social media on Sunday, the British welterweight offered a reminder of his position.

“I understand the politics of boxing better than most. Rolly had a voluntary [defence]now it’s time for my shot! No ducks, no more swerving. Me v Teo next.”

180 days @WBABoxing which means November ✅ I understand the politics of boxing better than most. Rolly had a voluntary now it’s time for my shot ! No ducks no more swerving. Me v teo next https://t.co/zEIX6GTggc

— Jack Catterall (@jack_catt93) August 23, 2026

The WBA did, indeed, offer Romero a grace period to face Lopez, but only under the condition that its champion would need to make a mandatory title defence within 180 days after Catterall’s clash with Giyasov.

In theory, then, Lopez’ next fight must take place against Catterall, yet it remains to be seen whether the WBA will uphold its own ruling.

Oleksandr Usyk could soon be in talks with an alternative opponent to Deontay Wilderwho was previously highlighted as a likely option for the Ukrainian’s next outing.

The 39-year-old vacated his three heavyweight titles in June, while also announcing that he will enter one more fight before retiring from the sport.

This news followed his subpar performance against Rico Verhoevenwho gave a terrific effort before ultimately losing their encounter by 11th-round stoppage in May.

It was then widely reported that Usyk was in deep negotiations to face Wilder, only for there to be no word of a date or venue for their potential bout.

Instead of colliding with the former WBC titleholder, though, the Ukrainian could end up pursuing an opportunity against three-division world champion David Benavidez.

‘The Mexican Monster’ comes off a vicious sixth-round finish over Gilberto Ramirez, who he dethroned for the WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles in May.

Since then, WBC ‘interim’ champion Michal Cieslak has emerged as a likely opponent for December 12while father and trainer Jose Benavidez Sr seems to already be planning a Cinco de Mayo event for 2027.

In a series of recent messages revealed by Ricardo CelisBenavidez Sr spoke directly with Turki Alalshikh and proposed a heavyweight clash between his son and Usyk.

Yet the Saudi powerbroker just simply responded by saying, “I will see you, brother”, and gave no indication as to whether this represents a realistic option.

🚨 USYK vs DAVID BENAVIDEZ IN PLAY FOR CINCO DE MAYO 2027?

BENAVIDEZ SR REVEALS PRIVATE TURKI MESSAGES | DEMANDS USYK FIGHT FOR CINCO DE MAYO!

David Benavidez’s father shows messages sent directly to Turki Alalshikh as Team Benavidez push for David Benavidez vs Oleksandr Usyk… pic.twitter.com/iyXFOFZec4

— Boxing King Media (@boxingkingmedia) August 23, 2026

Benavidez also suggested a cruiserweight contest against Jai Opetaia, who will face WBC champion Noel Mikaelian on the undercard of Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn on September 12.

Tommy Morrison’s son Trey has revealed for the first time that he has “died twice” while putting past differences aside to support his brother Kenzie through his fight with stomach cancer.

Trey Lippe Morrison made the revelation while asking people to pray for Kenzie, one day after World Boxing News reported that the 36-year-old had been diagnosed with cancer and a GoFundMe had been set up to help with medical bills.

The two sons of former heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison have had their differences over the years, something Trey acknowledged openly before making clear that none of it matters now.

“No 2 other people have had their differences like my brother and myself. F*** our differences!” Trey said.

“My brother Kenzie Morrison is in the fight of his life. I want him here! I love him.”

Trey Morrison ‘Died Twice’

Trey asked those praying for Kenzie to believe that his brother can recover before revealing something he had never previously made public.

“I’ve never shared this, but I’ve died twice, I’m still here, it didn’t matter how tough I was, it was all HIM,” he said.

Trey did not elaborate on when or under what circumstances those incidents occurred and has previously kept his personal health private.

The older sibling suffered serious injuries in a 2023 car wreck that left his boxing career in doubtwhile Kenzie’s own fighting career was interrupted by injuries and inactivity before his cancer diagnosis.

Both followed their famous father into boxing and displayed the considerable punching power associated with the Morrison namebut neither was able to build the momentum once expected.

Now, boxing has become secondary for both brothers.

Brothers Put Differences Aside

Kenzie revealed his stomach cancer diagnosis after spending around a month dealing with stomach and back problems.

In his latest update, Kenzie provided further information about his situation and the urgency surrounding his search for specialist treatment.

“It’s not too late, but we don’t got a lot of time,” Kenzie said.

For Trey, whatever differences existed between the brothers have now been pushed aside.

“I love you Kenzie, and I’ll be with you every step and breath of the way,” he said.

Trey also emphasized his faith throughout the message and asked others to share Kenzie’s fight as widely as possible.

“I truly believe he will do HIM and heal my brother,” Trey said of his belief in God.

“Share everything about my brothers fight, get the word out there, everybody BELIEVE!”

The brothers may have taken different paths since following their famous father into boxing, but Trey’s message makes his priority clear.

He wants his brother here, and intends to be alongside him throughout the biggest fight of Kenzie’s life.

About the Author

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a BWAA-acknowledged boxing news website founded in 2010. A veteran boxing reporter with 16 years of experience, he has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside from major events. His work is published worldwide through WBN and distributed on platforms including Apple News.

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