Boxing Match Preview: Teofimo Lopez (22-1-0, 13 KOs) vs. Shakur Stevenson (24-0-0, 11 KOs)
Teofimo Lopez (22-1-0, 13 KOs), the reigning WBO and lineal super lightweight champion, defends his titles against the undefeated Shakur Stevenson (24-0-0, 11 KOs), the WBC lightweight champion moving up to 140 pounds for the first time professionally. This 12-round main event headlines “The Ring VI” at Madison Square Garden, pitting Lopez’s explosive power and experience at the weight against Stevenson’s elite defensive skills, precision, and adaptability. A win for Stevenson would make him a four-division champion, while Lopez aims to solidify his status as a top pound-for-pound fighter. Expect a tactical chess match with bursts of action, as Stevenson’s southpaw mastery clashes with Lopez’s aggressive bursts in what could be one of 2026’s defining bouts.
Venue Location
The fight will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. This historic 20,789-capacity arena, known as “The Mecca of Boxing,” has hosted countless iconic title fights and provides a high-energy, hometown atmosphere for both fighters—Lopez from Brooklyn and Stevenson from nearby Newark, New Jersey.
Ring walks are scheduled for 10:00-11:00 PM ET, depending on the undercard pace.
Injury Report
No significant injuries have been reported for either fighter leading into fight week. Both completed full training camps without setbacks, with Lopez emphasizing his conditioning at 140 pounds and Stevenson focusing on adapting to the new weight class.
Teofimo Lopez:
No injuries noted. Lopez has been durable since returning to form post-2021 loss, with no recent issues impacting his preparation.
Overall: Fully healthy, with emphasis on explosive power training.
Shakur Stevenson:
No reported injuries. Stevenson handled a tough weight cut for his last fight at 135 but appears sharp transitioning up to 140.
Overall: In excellent condition, focusing on defensive sharpness and counterpunching.
Fighter Matchups
This super lightweight title clash features contrasting styles: Lopez’s aggressive, burst-oriented orthodox approach versus Stevenson’s elusive southpaw defense and counterpunching.
Teofimo Lopez (6’0″, 73″ reach, orthodox): Known for sudden power shots, body work, and high-volume pressure. His 59% KO rate shines in chaotic exchanges, but he can be vulnerable to precise counters if overcommitted.
Shakur Stevenson (5’7″, 68″ reach, southpaw): Elite defensive technician with exceptional footwork, timing, and ring IQ. He makes opponents miss at historic rates, but his power (46% KO rate) is more surgical than overwhelming, especially at a new weight.
Key Stylistic Clash: Lopez’s forward pressure and explosive counters vs. Stevenson’s distance control and ability to frustrate with movement. Lopez may target the body to slow Stevenson, while Stevenson could exploit angles and pot-shot on the way in.
Strengths/Weaknesses: Lopez’s experience at 140 (six straight wins) and fight-changing power give him an edge in chaos; Stevenson’s undefeated record and defensive mastery could neutralize aggression, but the weight jump poses questions about stamina and power.
X-Factor: Early momentum—if Lopez lands heavy early, he could force Stevenson into uncomfortable exchanges; if Stevenson survives and frustrates, his technical edge grows in later rounds.
Recent Form
Both enter on strong streaks, with Lopez dominant at 140 and Stevenson showcasing career-best performances at lightweight.
Teofimo Lopez (Last 5: W-W-W-W-W):
May 2025: UD 12 vs. Arnold Barboza Jr. (116-112, 116-112, 118-110) – Comfortable defense.
Earlier 2025: Wins over top contenders, extending six-fight streak since 2021 loss.
Form Notes: Lopez has been explosive and consistent at 140, averaging high output and strong decisions, with no recent stoppages but clear dominance.
Shakur Stevenson (Last 5: W-W-W-W-W):
July 2025: UD 12 vs. William Zepeda (118-110 x2, 119-109) – Career-best performance, standing ground against volume.
Prior: Dominant lightweight defenses.
Form Notes: Stevenson remains undefeated, with sharp defense and improved offense, averaging decisions but showing willingness to engage more aggressively.
| Fighter | Last 5 Record | KO % (Career) | Avg. Rounds Last 5 | Key Stat |
| Teofimo Lopez | W-W-W-W-W | 59% | 10+ | Explosive at 140 |
| Shakur Stevenson | W-W-W-W-W | 46% | 10+ | Elite defense |
Fight History
This is the first meeting between Lopez and Stevenson, with no prior head-to-head encounters. Both have navigated the lightweight/super lightweight landscape without crossing paths, but shared divisional rivalries (e.g., Lopez’s wins over Taylor, Stevenson’s over Zepeda) highlight their paths to this unification-level clash.
FIGHT ODDS
Teofimo Lopez + 250
Shakur Stevenson – 330
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 30, 2025
