Masayoshi Nakatani exposed the first major cracks in 2019. The tall Japanese contender refused to fold and repeatedly disturbed Lopez with his jab and reach. Lopez won a unanimous decision, but the wide scores concealed how badly he was crumbling as the fight progressed.
Nakatani lacked the aggression required to capitalize fully. A little more ambition might have turned a difficult night into something far worse for Lopez. Instead, Teofimo escaped with the decision and followed the performance with excuses about Nakatani’s height and personal distractions.
Vasiliy Lomachenko produced a similar reaction durin
