Who Really Wants The Banana?

Teofimo Lopez Jr.: The Hypocrisy of His Racist Rhetoric and His Quest for Big Paydays

Article By: John Green

In a sport as diverse and global as boxing, it’s both disappointing and infuriating to see an athlete resort to racist language. But that’s exactly what Teofimo Lopez Jr. did when asked whether he would prefer to fight Terence Crawford or Gervonta “Tank” Davis. His response? “Whichever monkey wants the banana first.”

There’s no mincing words here: Lopez’s comment was racist, and it wasn’t the first time he’s shown blatant disrespect towards Black fighters. This is part of a disturbing pattern from the self-proclaimed “Takeover” who seems to be bitter, angry, and increasingly isolated within the sport.

Yet, it’s not just the comment itself that’s infuriating—it’s the lack of accountability. Where are the voices from Lopez’s own community calling him out? Why aren’t content creators from his background publicly denouncing this? Instead, they seem to make excuses for him, dismissing his behavior as emotional outbursts or claiming he didn’t mean it in a derogatory way. Enough with the excuses. It’s time to call Lopez out for what he is: a fighter who repeatedly uses racist language to demean the very athletes he wishes to fight for his own benefit.

Teofimo’s real issue seems to be jealousy. For years, he’s harbored resentment towards Top Rank, claiming that they’ve focused their promotion on Black fighters while neglecting him. But let’s be real: Teofimo’s problems with Top Rank weren’t caused by the success of fighters like Terence Crawford or Shakur Stevenson. They were caused by Teofimo’s own decisions, his inability to handle the pressure, and his erratic behavior outside the ring.

Lopez wasn’t cast aside by Top Rank because of his race; he alienated himself with his own actions. And now, in a twist of irony, the very fighters he has disrespected—the ones he accuses of receiving all the attention—are the same fighters he wants to use to cash in. Whether it’s Crawford, Tank, or anyone else, Lopez knows that the biggest paydays lie with the same athletes he talks down to.

The hypocrisy is staggering. Teofimo Lopez may claim that he’s the future of the sport, but his actions tell a different story. He’s a fighter chasing big money fights with the same athletes he disrespects. So, who’s really after the banana, Teofimo?

The truth is simple: Lopez is using these controversies to stay relevant. He knows that stepping into the ring with the likes of Crawford or Tank would catapult him back into the spotlight and fill his pockets with the paydays he desperately craves. But here’s the thing: respect isn’t earned with cheap insults. It’s earned with integrity, skill, and professionalism—none of which Teofimo has demonstrated with his recent behavior.

The boxing community has had enough. We’ve seen the same pattern from him time and time again, and we’re done with the excuses. If Lopez wants to be taken seriously as a fighter, he needs to start respecting the sport, the fighters, and the fans. Until then, he’ll continue to be the fighter who talks too much, fights too little, and chases paydays with the same athletes he dehumanizes.

Teofimo Lopez Jr. wants us to believe he’s the victim, but the truth is, he’s the one sabotaging his own career. And as for the banana, it seems he’s the one chasing it after all.