Bob Arum’s Top Rank showcases Teofimo Lopez and Keyshawn Davis tonight at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.
Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) makes the first defense of the WBO light-welterweight world title he snatched from Josh Taylor last year. He collides with Jamaine Ortiz, who is having his first world title challenge.
Davis (9-0, 6 KOs) takes a huge leap in opposition when he locks horns with former two-weight world champion Jose Pedraza at lightweight.
At Tuesday’s official press conference, Top Rank paraded their two stars alongside each other, with Ortiz and Pedraza paired together to the left-hand side of broadcaster Mark Shunock.
Lopez was miming to read a copy of Be Water My Friend: The true teaching of Bruce Lee, as Davis started to whisper back to his Top Rank stablemate. The official Top Rank YouTube channel captured the conversation.
“What made you mention my name in that interview,” Davis whispered to Lopez. “Just a question.”
“You said Crawford world beat me,” Lopez said looking up from his book.
“It is just an opinion,” Davis responded.
“I don’t like it,” Lopez said. “I hope you respect that part.”
“I respect it,” Davis said.
“I’m not saying Pedraza is going to beat you,” Lopez said.
“Na, I ain't say that,” Davis added. “Cause you know that ain’t going to happen.”
“I don’t know,” Lopez speculated. “Maybe he can.”
“Everybody can when you step inside that ring,” Davis hit back.
An awkward six seconds of silence followed.
“Just don’t bite the bullet,” Lopez said to Davis.
“Ay, Teo. I’ve never disrespected you, Alright?,” Davis responded. “I took that as disrespect as to what you said.”
“You did?” Lopez asked.
“For sure,” Davis said. “They even mentioned my name when you brought it up.”
Lopez raised his book to cover his mouth to continue his chat. “You know a lot of times they mix my words up.”
“I seen a video,” Davis said.
“You did?” Lopez asked.
“I’ve seen it,” Davis stated.
“I mean no disrespect to you brother,” Lopez said as he shared hands with Davis. “Good business. I wish you nothing but the best.”
“You too,” Davis said. “Just like I told you. And I meant it.”
“Opinion to Opinion,” Lopez said with a smile. “What’s only true is our sport.”
Davis responded with laughter followed by, “I’m glad you said that, sir.”
Shunock interrupted both men: “What’s going on over here with you guys, I hear there is chatter going back and forth.”
“Fluidity,” Lopez said with his eyes focused on his book.
“This man told me not to call him out after this fight,” Davis said. “You can take that for what it is.”
