WBA Orders Teofimo Lopez to Defend Welterweight Title Against Jack Catterall

Teofimo Lopez (23-2, 13 KOs) has been ordered to face Brit Jack Catterall (33-2, 14 KOs) in a mandatory WBA welterweight title defense.

The WBA confirmed on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, that Teofimo Lopez must defend his welterweight championship against Jack Catterall. The governing body has established a 30-day negotiation window that concludes on October 22, 2026. If the camps for Lopez (23-2, 13 KOs) and Catterall (33-2, 14 KOs) fail to reach an agreement by the deadline, the Championship Committee may order a purse bid.

Lopez captured the WBA Super Championship on August 22, 2026, by defeating Rolly Romero via majority decision. By winning the belt, Lopez assumed the mandatory obligations previously held by Romero. Catterall secured his position as the top contender in April after earning a victory over Shakhram Giyasov.

Promoter Eddie Hearn maintained Catterall's status as the mandatory challenger despite the title changing hands in August. While Lopez had expressed interest in a unification bout against Ryan Garcia following Garcia's recent win over Conor Benn in Las Vegas, he must now face Catterall or vacate the title. The WBA stated that either party may notify the organization to discontinue negotiations early, which would also trigger the purse bid process.