Steve Claggett's long and arduous journey in professional boxing has led him from Calgary, Alberta, Canada—a city more renowned for its ice hockey team, the Calgary Flames— to the cusp of a career-defining moment. Over a 16-year career marked by perseverance through hard-luck losses, Claggett has revitalized his form, remaining unbeaten in his last nine fights.
On Saturday, Claggett will engage in his 48th professional bout, facing the formidable Ring junior lightweight champion and WBO titleholder Teofimo Lopez at the James L. Knight Center in Miami Beach, Florida.
Reflecting on his career, Claggett (38-7-2, 26 knockouts) shared his enthusiasm and readiness with The Ring, saying, “I’ve put my whole life into it. [I’m] very excited, very prepared, I’m pulling out all the stops. I’m working as hard as I can, as smart as I can. In boxing, you’ve got to work a long time for that one night that can potentially change your life and that’s where I’m at now.”
At 35, Claggett faces an uphill battle against Lopez, who is heavily favored at 1/9 (-900). Yet, Claggett respects Lopez's skills and believes in his own abilities, stating, “I think he’s very athletic, I think he’s a very skilful fighter. Nothing but respect for his game but I also believe in myself. The name of the game is show up prepared.”
Claggett's strategy includes preparing for Lopez at his best, not banking on the champion being off his game. He noted his own advantages: “I’m a good-sized junior welterweight and I have a lot of experience with a lot of different fighters. It’s all talk and what people think. I know what actually matters is what’s in the ring. That’s what I’m preparing for.”
His career took a positive turn after signing with Eye of The Tiger in September 2019. “Now I carry some weight in the ocean of boxing. Without them I don’t know where I’d be but I’m grateful to be with them,” Claggett acknowledged.
Training under Mike Moffa in Montreal, Claggett has undergone a diligent 10-week camp. “I like to roll my camps. After my last fight I was back in camp the next week... I’m always in the gym, I’m always training. I’ve been strictly preparing for this fight because it’s a huge, huge opportunity.”
Claggett believes the timing is right for him to make a mark on the world stage. “I think now I’m reaching a peak where my age and experience are coming together. I think the timing is right and I really believe in my team and believe in myself and I’m going to give it my best and show the world what I can do.”
His promoter, Camille Estephan of Eye of The Tiger, praised Claggett’s dedication and perseverance, stating, “Steve has worked so hard, often without any support for 17 years working on his craft. He showed tremendous character through his difficult journey. We are very happy for this opportunity, he is so deserving yet a warning—he’s not coming to just try, he is coming to win.”
Lopez (20-1, 13 knockouts) has a notable career himself, having represented Honduras at the 2016 Olympics and delivering several impressive knockouts. After a surprise loss to George Kambosos, Lopez moved up to 140 pounds, capturing the WBO and Ring junior welterweight titles by defeating Josh Taylor, and defending them successfully against Jamaine Ortiz.
As Claggett steps into the ring against one of the sport’s elite, his preparation and determination will be key to seizing this pivotal opportunity.