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The boxing world is set for a seismic collision as two of its most dynamic young stars, Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez, have officially signed to face each other on August 16 in Saudi Arabia. This highly anticipated showdown, confirmed by multiple sources, will pit two-division world champions against each other at a 145-pound catchweight, marking a pivotal moment in the careers of both fighters and the ongoing saga of boxing’s so-called “Four Horsemen”.
BoxingScene understands that both Devin Haney and Teofimo Lopez have signed a contract to fight August 16 in Saudi Arabia.
Full story: https://t.co/sciKsgWYta pic.twitter.com/5T1sTN99ZS
— BoxingScene.com (@boxingscene) June 3, 2025
For years, fans and pundits have speculated about a clash between Haney and Lopez. Both men have carved impressive paths through the lightweight and super lightweight divisions, collecting belts and accolades while circling each other in a crowded field of young, elite talent. The “Four Horsemen” moniker, coined by Ryan Garcia, refers to Haney, Lopez, Garcia himself, and Gervonta “Tank” Davis, a quartet whose intertwined destinies have defined the sport’s new generation.
With Haney (32-0, 15 KOs) and Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) each coming off victories on the same May 2 Times Square card—Haney outpointing former unified 140-pound champion Jose Ramirez, and Lopez defeating then-unbeaten Arnold Barboza Jr.—the stars have finally aligned for their paths to cross.
Saudi Arabia has rapidly become a global hub for major boxing events, thanks to the investment of figures like Turki Alalshikh. The Haney-Lopez bout is expected to be another high-profile showcase in the kingdom, broadcast on DAZN pay-per-view. This move underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the sport and its willingness to stage marquee matchups that might otherwise be bogged down by promotional and network politics elsewhere.
Catchweight Drama and No Titles on the Line
The fight will be contested at a 145-pound catchweight, a compromise above the super lightweight limit but below full welterweight. Notably, no world titles will be at stake. Lopez currently holds the WBO junior welterweight title, but the belt won’t be on the line, making this a “money fight” rather than a championship unification.
This catchweight has sparked debate among fans and analysts. Some see it as a strategic move by Haney’s camp, with his father and manager Bill Haney pushing for the bout after a planned rematch with Ryan Garcia fell apart. Garcia’s upset loss to Rolando “Rolly” Romero in May scuttled those plans, leaving Haney searching for a lucrative alternative.
“I thought you [were] looking for the big-money fight? That’s what you complained about your whole career, that you weren’t able to earn the right … but now there’s nowhere else to run and no place else to hide,” Bill Haney said, throwing down the gauntlet to Lopez.
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Both Haney and Lopez enter this fight with something to prove. Their recent performances, while victorious, drew criticism for lack of action. Haney’s win over Ramirez was seen as tactical but uninspiring, while Lopez’s decision over Barboza was similarly workmanlike. Each fighter will be eager to deliver a statement performance and silence doubters who question their entertainment value at the elite level.
The best moments from Devin Haney’s win over Jose Ramirez in Times Square 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/1CwlOuG49u
— Ring Magazine (@ringmagazine) May 4, 2025
The stakes are further heightened by the backdrop of social media sparring and personal animosity. Bill Haney has publicly taken issue with Lopez’s comments, vowing that his son will punish Lopez for perceived disrespect. Lopez, meanwhile, has suggested that Haney is the one who needs this fight, especially with the Garcia rematch off the table.
The significance of Haney vs. Lopez extends beyond the two men in the ring. It’s the latest chapter in the ongoing rivalry among the Four Horsemen. Gervonta Davis, another member of the group, is also scheduled to fight on August 16, defending his WBA lightweight title in a rematch against Lamont Roach Jr. in Las Vegas. This scheduling quirk sets up a night of high drama for boxing fans, with two of the sport’s biggest young stars headlining separate cards on opposite sides of the globe.
What’s at Stake?
While no belts will change hands, the winner of Haney vs. Lopez will claim bragging rights and a crucial edge in the race for generational supremacy. Both men are still in their mid-20s, with years of potential megafights ahead. A decisive victory could set up future showdowns with Davis, Garcia, or even a move to full welterweight for more gold and glory.
Devin Haney vs. Teofimo Lopez is more than just a fight, it’s a crossroads moment for two of boxing’s brightest stars and a showcase for the sport’s new world order. With pride, legacy, and future paydays on the line, August 16 in Saudi Arabia promises fireworks, intrigue, and a defining chapter in the saga of the Four Horsemen.
