Boxing’s first major event of 2026 is officially set, and it’s a big one. Shakur Stevenson will move up to 140 pounds to challenge Teofimo Lopez for his WBO super lightweight title in the main event of The Ring 6 on January 31 in New York.
Promoter Turki Alalshikh confirmed the news, framing the bout as a statement opener for the new year. “This fight between two huge talents will provide an exciting start to our plans for 2026,” he said. “We are looking forward to returning to New York in January and producing another big world title fight that fans have been waiting for.”
Lopez enters his fourth defense of the WBO belt following a strong victory over Arnold Barboza Jr., and he’s embracing the spotlight. “Duck, Duck, Goose! Are you ready for New York City?” he said. “The Takeover is here to stay, not play… Shakur will fall in nine.”
Stevenson, the undefeated WBC lightweight champion, is taking yet another bold leap in his career. Fresh off a unanimous decision over William Zepeda, he now attempts to become a four-division world champion. “I have never shied away from a challenge,” Stevenson said. “Teofimo Lopez will learn that firsthand on January 31 when I take his belt. There are levels to this game.”
Watch Stevenson vs. Zepeda highlights.
In the co-main event, Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KOs) returns nearly a year after his last appearance to face Jamaine Ortiz (20-2-1, 10 KOs). Davis will compete at junior welterweight for the first time, having last fought in February when he stopped Denys Berinchyk in four rounds to win a world title at 135 pounds. Ortiz enters off an August third-round stoppage of Ambiorix Bautista and has suffered only two defeats, both by decision, against Vasiliy Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez.
Watch Davis vs. Madueno highlights.
One of two championship bouts sees Carlos Adames (24-1-1, 18 KOs) defend his WBC middleweight title against Austin “Ammo” Williams (19-1, 13 KOs). Adames has not fought since a February split draw with Hamzah Sheeraz that many believed he deserved to win. Williams earned his title shot after stopping Ivan Vazquez in the ninth round and enters on a three-fight winning streak.
The second title fight features Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs) against Carlos Castro (30-3, 14 KOs) for the vacant WBC featherweight championship. Carrington last fought in July, winning a unanimous decision over Mateus Heita, while Castro returns after a September split-decision loss to former world champion Stephen Fulton.
The undercard also includes heavyweight Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (26-1-2, 22 KOs), who fights for the first time since his August 2024 majority draw with Andy Ruiz. Miller had been scheduled to face Fabio Wardley earlier this year before withdrawing due to injury, making his return another notable addition to an already crowded Ring VI lineup.
Fight card:
▪️Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson, 12 rounds, for Lopez’s WBO World super lightweight title
▪️Keyshawn Davis vs. Jamaine Ortiz, 12 rounds, junior welterweight
▪️Bruce Carrington vs. Carlos Castro, 12 rounds, for Carrington’s WBC World featherweight title
▪️Carlos Adames vs. Austin Williams, 12 rounds, for Adames’ WBC middleweight title
▪️Jarrell Miller vs. Kingsley Ibeh, 10 rounds, heavyweight
▪️Ziyad Almayouf vs. Kevin Castillo, 8 rounds, welterweight
