Teofimo Lopez posted a cryptic message, saying he’s going to “Keep going up the ladder,” talking about his career in boxing. He mentioned that his move up the ladder was “Make ’em madder.” He’s referring to those who wish to see him fail and are jealous of his success. Teo wants to prove people wrong.

Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) and Shakur Stevenson have talked on social media in the last week about potentially fighting. A match between them would be massive on PPV. With Teofimo’s ability to sell fights with his trash-talking, it could do well on DAZN.  That would be Teo “going up the ladder” if the fight happens.

Making Haters Madder

Fighting Shakur wouldn’t involve Lopez capturing another world title, because he’s not about to return to the 135-lb division at this point in his career. He moved up to the 140-lb class in 2022 due to his struggles to make the lightweight limit. Teofimo would be defending his WBO light welterweight title against Stevenson if the fight happens.

Keep going up the ladder, they mad, make ‘em madder ⛳️

— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) August 2, 2025

Teofimo’s Cryptic Message

The part where Lopez says, “They mad, make ’em madder,” could be viewed as him taking a verbal shot at Turki Alalshikh. Teofimo had said on social media late last May that he had been “Fired” by Turki, meaning that he wouldn’t be included in his events. So, he’s still climbing the ranks, doing well without him, and he believes it’s creating anger.

As such, Teofimo’s cryptic post is his way to get a subtle dig in for those who hope for his failure. He wants them to know he’s going to keep doing well, achieving greater things, making money, and angering them. This could include Turki Alalshikh if Teo is correct about being fired by him. Teofimo had called Turki a “D***tator” on social media before deleting the post.