Turki Alalshikh 'fires' boxing superstar after explosive social media rant

Boxing star Teofimo Lopez has claimed he has been 'fired' by Saudi chief Turki Alalshikh. The 27-year-old, who only just made his Riyadh Season debut, scoring an impressive decision victory over Arnold Barboza Jr in Times Square, has hit a potential career stumbling block.

Following his win, whispers of Lopez agreeing to a clash with Devin Haney on August 16 in Riyadh at a 145lbs catchweight began to surface. However, that fight is now in jeopardy, after Lopez took to social media last night to surprisingly call out Alalshikh.

In one tweet, he wrote: "I just got fired, guys. However, before things get better, bad things must happen first! #Resurrection."

Just hours before the tweet, Lopez uploaded a snap of himself pretending to beg on the streets, with the caption: "Looking for a new job. #Hireme My son Teofimo Liam needs new goggles and a new spearfish gun."

Taking to X - formerly known as - boxing journalist Dan Rafael claims the American's posts may have put his fight with Haney "in jeopardy."

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He posted: "Per three sources involved, Teofimo Lopez-Devin Haney was agreed to Tuesday night, but not signed, for Aug. 16 in Riyadh at 145 pounds. But fight is now in jeopardy after Teofimo's tweet storm." Before rumours of a clash with Haney, Lopez had his sights set on a showdown with Jaron Ennis, the IBF and WBA welterweight champion.

That said, in a surprise twist, it seems as if Ennis is favouring a move up to super welterweight. “No Boots fight. They said no," said Lopez in a video uploaded to his . "Boots, if you’re on here and your father is on here, Bozy, listen to me. You are bozos.

“How do you claim yourself from Philly, and you don’t want to fight the best? You're all putting Philly down, and Philly just won. Shout out to the Eagles. Come on, bro, I don't think you are from Philly." Lopez is hoping to remain active in the ring following his recent win.

Having bounced back from his first-ever professional loss against George Kambosos Jr in 2021, the 27-year-old has since remained unbeaten, overcoming opponents such as Sandor Martin, Josh Taylor, Jamaine Ortiz, and Steve Claggett. Despite his impressive form, Lopez's upcoming fights seem uncertain, with bouts against the likes of Ennis and Haney now looking unlikely.