We all know that Lopez and Haney are both terrific lightweight prospects and although both pass the eye test and have bundles of talent, it's always handy when two top fighters have a mutual opponent amongst them to compare and contrast. How would Lopez fare against Abdullaev? Do you guys think he'd look as good/get rid of Abdullaev as quickly as Haney did? (I do understand that the Haney win was through the injuries Adbullaev sustained, rather than him being TKOd/knocked out cold but still)
I think Teo Lopez would stop him in similar fashion if not by spectacular KO. It's a style match up that is very favourable to both Haney and Lopez. They are both very talented and most likely future stars.
Zaur Abdullaev is not a quality opponent in my honest opinion. Haney beat him easily because he is just not that good. He fell to Haney's feints and traps too easily and ate a lot of punches. It won't be hard for Lopez to stop him. Nakatani is much better fighter than the Russian. If Lopez wants a real challenge, he should consider Campbell. He is the one who I rate as the second best in current lightweight division behind Loma.
I know Haney has passed the eye test and is a terrific “prospect” (not really a prospect anymore)....but Lopez was lucky to come away with a win in his last fight and doesn’t look all that great