WBA Orders Teofimo Lopez vs Jack Catterall Welterweight Showdown
The WBA has ordered Teofimo Lopez to defend his welterweight crown against Jack Catterall, with both camps handed a 30-day window to reach an agreement.
The World Boxing Association has ordered Teofimo Lopez to face Jack Catterall, setting up a major fight in the WBA welterweight title picture.
Lopez currently holds the WBA’s Super Championship at 147lbs after defeating Rolando “Rolly” Romero by majority decision on August 22, 2026. Catterall, meanwhile, holds the organisation’s World title and is now in line to face Lopez under the WBA’s previously established championship obligations.
Lopez Inherits Romero’s Championship Obligation
The situation stems from the WBA’s previous decision to elevate Romero to Super Champion.
As part of that decision, the organisation established that the winner of the WBA World title fight between Shakhram Giyasov and Jack Catterall would subsequently face Romero.
Romero was permitted to make one optional defence during that period before being required to meet the winner.
That championship picture changed when Lopez defeated Romero by majority decision on August 22.
By taking the Super title from Romero, Lopez also inherited the obligations previously attached to the champion, leading the WBA Championship Committee to formally order the fight with Catterall.
Lopez And Catterall Given 30 Days To Make The Fight
The two camps now have a limited window in which to negotiate terms.
The WBA has established a 30-day negotiation period beginning September 22 and ending at the close of business, Eastern Time, on October 22, 2026.
During that period, representatives for Lopez and Catterall will have the opportunity to reach an agreement without the contest proceeding to a purse bid.
If no agreement is reached before the deadline, the WBA Championship Committee can move to the next stage of the process.
WBA Could Step In If Negotiations Fail
Failure to reach an agreement does not mean the fight simply disappears from the schedule.
Under WBA rules, the Championship Committee may ask WBA president Gilberto Mendoza to order a purse bid if negotiations fail.
That process could also begin before October 22 if either camp informs the organisation that it no longer intends to continue negotiations.
A purse bid would allow promoters to bid for the right to stage the contest, moving Lopez vs Catterall another step closer to becoming reality.
Another Major Fight Looms For Teofimo Lopez
The order gives Lopez another significant assignment following his victory over Romero and successful move into the welterweight championship picture.
Catterall has spent years competing at world level and now finds himself with an opportunity to face Lopez as the WBA works towards resolving its championship situation at 147lbs.
The immediate focus, however, will be away from the ring.
Both camps have until October 22 to reach an agreement. If they cannot, the WBA has made clear that a purse bid could follow.