Former unified and lineal lightweight king Teofimo Lopez (19-1, 13 KOs) captured the WBO junior welterweight world title with a twelve round unanimous decision win against former undisputed champion Josh Taylor (19-1, 13 KOs) Saturday evening at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. 

In the opening two rounds, Taylor connected with straight left hands and counterpunches to the body. But by rounds three and four, the 32-year-Scotsman began feeling the sting of Lopez’s power.

As a result, his offense became more tentative and the pace of the fight decelerated, allowing Lopez to land his signature power shots.  By rounds five and six, Lopez took a commanding lead as a confused Taylor struggled to find his punching range.

Lopez punctuated his victory in the final rounds with explosive bursts of offense, shades of the vintage 'Teo' who had dominated his adversaries as a lightweight.

With scores of 115-113, 115-113 and 117-111, the 25-year-old Brooklyn native is now a lineal world champion in two divisions.

Lopez was overwhelmed by the performance that places him back in the mix for the biggest fights in his weight class.

“Josh Taylor is a tough dude," said Lopez. "I can see why he beat so many fighters. But you’ve got to counter the counterpuncher. You’ve got to outsmart the man and get in there. And I did that. I think I did enough. This is what it is all about.

"I questioned myself for a good reason. You guys don’t understand. I’ve always been my worst critic. And you guys got a little glimpse of it. But I’ve just got to ask you one thing, and one thing only. Do I still got it?”

“I’m so grateful. This was about fixing what we needed to. That’s why I don’t leave my coach. I trust in him a lot."