Teofimo Lopez has warned Josh Taylor that he is coming to the end of his career ahead of their world title showdown in New York on Saturday.
Lopez looks to become a two-weight world champion when he challenges Taylor for his WBO super lightweight crown at the Theater at Madison Square Garden, live on Sky Sports.
The pair had several heated exchanges, back-and-forth during Top Rank’s episode of ‘Trash Talk’, with tensions ramping up ahead of their eagerly-anticipated clash.
Taylor has threatened an early knockout and has vowed to send his rival into retirement, however Lopez believes at 32-years-old, the Scot is nearing the end.
“Y’all scared of Teofimo,” he said.
“At 25, I haven’t even hit my prime yet. I’m just getting warmed up.
“They’re going to call me the f***ing greatest and youngest active hall of famer at 25, that’s more than prime.
“You’re at the end of your road and your trainer knows it, but he’s got to motivate you mentally to get there.
“Carry the man. Carry that dead weight.”
The former unified lightweight world champion has secured two wins since moving up in weight after a shock defeat to George Kambosos Jr, climbing off the canvas to beat Sandor Martin by split decision in December.
‘The Tartan Tornado’ has not fought since getting off the deck himself in a contentious split decision win over Jack Catterall and has since vacated all but his WBO belt.
‘The Takeover’ insists the 32-year-old southpaw makes several errors and has vowed to capitalise on them.
“There’s a lot of mistakes,” Lopez said.
“All the fighters he has faced, a lot of them are very easy to manipulate on and adapt to.
“There’s a style that he knows, that he works on, that he does, that has worked for him for a long time.
“Even if they were to change it right now, it’s too late, because when he goes in the ring he’s going to go right back to that main base.”
