Teofimo Lopez makes cryptic claim that he's been 'fired' by Turki Alalshikh

Teofimo Lopez only made his Riyadh Season bow in this month's Times Square boxing bill, but it appears as though the WBO and Ring super-lightweight world champion has already seen his contract terminated.

The New York native starred in his home city on May 2, making a successful defence of his two 140lbs straps against number one contender Arnold Barboza Jr.

The bout featured as part of a bumper three-fight bill in the Big Apple which also included Ryan Garcia's shock loss at the hands of Rolly Romero and Davin Haney's dour decision win over Jose Ramirez.

'His Excellency' Alalshikh, who was ringside in Times Square, reportedly cut a frustrated figure at the lack of excitement on a card that was designed to 'alter the boxing landscape'.

Lopez largely showboated his way to a comfortable title defence, before lauding Alalshikh's unique vision for the sport in the immediate aftermath of his triumph.

However, it appears as though their partnership has since evaporated, with the American revealing he has been fired by the Saudi boxing bank-roller via a social media post in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

I just got fired, guys. #Boxing - However, before things get better, bad things must happen first. #Resurrection

- Teofimo Lopez (X)

It appears as though His Excellency's decision to cut ties with the brash two-weight world champion stems from a comment he posted on X (formerly twitter) on Tuesday.

Responding to an Arabic post from Alalshikh, which translates as 'Maturity is to realise, Most things don't deserve a reaction...', the often controversial Lopez said "D***tator @Turki_alalshikh'.

The comment has since been deleted, but it appears to be too little too late for the 27-year-old who had been hoping his newfound link-up with Riyadh Season would help secure him a long-sought unification clash with Jarron 'Boots' Ennis this year.

There had even been claims that Lopez was being earmarked as the star attraction for another unique fight card at Alcatraz prison in the coming months, with London's Tower bridge and Paris' Eiffel Tower also rumoured to have been eyed up as destinations for His Excellency's boxing roadshow.

But it now seems as though Lopez' short stint under the Riyadh Season umbrella is over, thus leaving his chances of finally trading leather with Ennis hanging by a thread.

Mark Mothershaw

• Riyadh Season
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