Last week, an article ran on ESPN.com in which former unified lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez’s father was quoted saying, "We ready for anybody at 140 pounds; he doesn't have to struggle at that weight, he'll be perfect, he won't be getting sick from his lungs anymore."

Lopez's father and trainer, Teofimo Lopez Sr., added - "I think that would be a great fight; I think Top Rank is looking for that fight with Barboza. We'll fight anybody, it doesn't matter who it is. And then eventually fight [undisputed 140-pound champion] Josh Taylor and get our belts back."

Over the past year, several articles have been published on BoxingScene.com in which Barboza has called out Lopez and said that he would like to welcome him to the junior welterweight division. 

His manager Rick Mirigian has confirmed on social media that he is working on the fight and hopes to make it happen. Barboza also said that is the case.  

“No serious negotiations or talks yet. So far it’s just been words and dialogue but that’s the fight we are trying to get,” Barboza told BoxingScene.com. 

Barboza was last in action in August when he defeated Antonio Moran via unanimous decision in Oklahoma. 

The unbeaten 30-year-old fighter reiterated that he wants Lopez to be his next opponent and will keep pushing until he gets the fight secured. 

“My team and I are willing to do whatever it takes to get this fight done. I don’t care where or when. I don’t think I ever wanted to fight someone so bad!” Said Barboza. 

Lopez was last in the ring in November when mandatory challenger George Kambosos Jr. defeated him via split decision in New York, to capture the WBA, WBC Franchise, IBF, WBO lightweight titles in what was one of the biggest upsets of the year. 

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