S7 Ep838: Teofimo Lopez," I am too expensive for Top Rank"

In this gripping episode of "Leave It in the Ring," host David Duenez, alongside co-host Gfunky, delves deep into the heated controversy surrounding Victor Conte, the founder of Snac and a well-known advocate for clean sports, and Memo Heredia, the strength and conditioning coach for light heavyweight champion David Benavidez. The discussion centers on the intricate and often murky history each man has within the sphere of athlete doping and their fervent efforts to eradicate performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) from the sport of boxing.

The episode takes an intriguing turn as it highlights 2x unified champion Teofimo Lopez’s dramatic outburst on social media, where he expresses frustration over his relationship with Top Rank, his current promoter. Lopez boldly critiques what he perceives as an inadequate financial compensation for his talents, sparking a conversation about the true value of a fighter’s worth in today’s boxing landscape.

The hosts ponder several thought-provoking questions: Do championship titles inherently translate to star power in the boxing world? Is a fighter entitled to a larger paycheck if public demand for their bouts is lacking? As they navigate these complex issues, Duenez and Gfunky explore the phenomenon of fighters seeking inflated salaries despite the absence of significant market appeal, shedding light on the ongoing struggle for recognition and financial reward in a competitive industry.