‘TURKI FIRED ME!’ Teofimo Lopez Breaks Down on Live and Reveals Devin Haney Fight is OFF

Boxing sensation Teofimo Lopez stunned fans worldwide with an emotional live outburst, claiming he was fired by Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh and confirming that his highly anticipated fight with Devin Haney is officially off. The dramatic revelation, aired during a raw, unfiltered stream, has sent shockwaves through the boxing community, leaving questions about Lopez’s future and the sport’s biggest matchups.

The Emotional Breakdown

In a live session that quickly gained traction, Lopez, the WBO super-lightweight champion, broke down as he addressed his followers. Visibly shaken, he exclaimed, “Turki fired me! I’m done with him!” The 27-year-old fighter went on to reveal that the planned August 16 clash with Haney, set for a 145-pound catchweight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will no longer happen. Lopez’s voice cracked as he vented frustration, hinting at personal and professional tensions that led to the fallout. “I gave everything, and this is how it ends,” he said, wiping tears from his eyes.

The announcement comes after weeks of speculation following Lopez’s recent social media tirade against Alalshikh, where he made disparaging remarks and later apologized. Sources suggest the relationship deteriorated further, culminating in Alalshikh’s decision to sever ties, though no official statement from the promoter has confirmed the firing.

The Fight That Wasn’t

The Lopez-Haney bout had been billed as a blockbuster, pitting two former undisputed lightweight champions against each other. Haney, 26, recently outpointed Jose Ramirez, while Lopez defended his title against Arnold Barboza Jr. on the same May 2 card in Times Square. Negotiations had progressed, with both fighters agreeing to the catchweight, but Lopez’s co-manager, Keith Connolly, had earlier cited “confidential personal reasons” for delaying the fight. Today’s live breakdown suggests deeper issues, possibly tied to his rift with Alalshikh, who was set to finance the event.

Haney has yet to comment directly, but posts on X indicate his camp may view Lopez’s withdrawal as a dodge, with some fans echoing the sentiment. The collapse leaves both fighters without clear next opponents, casting uncertainty over the lightweight division’s landscape.

What Led to the Fallout?

Lopez’s recent behavior, including his public spat with Alalshikh and his push for a fight with Jaron “Boots” Ennis, may have strained his standing. His May 2 performance, criticized as lackluster, and his subsequent social media storm—where he claimed to be “looking for a new job”—seem to have alienated key figures. Alalshikh’s reputation for orchestrating high-profile fights suggests he may have lost patience with Lopez’s unpredictability, though the full story remains unclear without official input.

Some speculate financial disputes or creative differences played a role, while others point to Lopez’s mental state, given his emotional display. The boxing world is abuzz with theories, but without Alalshikh’s perspective, the narrative hinges on Lopez’s tearful account.

What’s Next for Lopez and Haney?

With the fight off, Lopez’s immediate future is uncertain. His WBO title remains intact, but losing Alalshikh’s support could limit his access to big-money bouts. Haney, meanwhile, may pivot to other targets, with names like Ryan Garcia or Ennis surfacing as possibilities, though Garcia’s recent loss to Rolly Romero complicates that rematch.

For now, the focus shifts to Lopez’s next move. Will he rebound with a new promoter, or has this breakdown signaled a turning point in his career? As fans digest the live meltdown, the boxing community awaits clarity—both from Lopez and the elusive Turki Alalshikh.