Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson are officially set to share the ring on January 31 in New York City, as Lopez will defend his WBO super-lightweight world title, with Stevenson stepping up from lightweight in pursuit of a fourth division crown.
Lopez, a former unified lightweight champion, captured the WBO belt at 140 pounds in June 2023 with a unanimous decision over Josh Taylor. After two lukewarm defenses against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett in 2024, he rediscovered top form in May by handing Arnold Barboza Jr. his first defeat at Times Square.
Stevenson enters as a three-division world champion and current WBC lightweight titleholder. After absorbing criticism for flat defenses against Artem Harutyunyan and Josh Padley, he delivered a career-best performance in his most recent outing, defeating William Zepeda by unanimous decision at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Now he moves up to 140 pounds, aiming to add another belt to his résumé.
Both fighters have made their intentions clear. “I have never shied away from a challenge,” Stevenson said. “Teofimo Lopez will learn that firsthand on January 31 when I take his belt and show him that there are levels to this game.” Lopez, never one to downplay the moment, countered with confidence: “Duck, Duck, Goose! Are you ready for New York City? The Takeover is here to stay, not play. Shakur will fall in line.”
So, two elite talents entering on the back of strong performances promise to launch 2026 with a bang and let's hope to see a truly explosive showdown on 31st of January.
Image Credit: DAZN