Shakur Stevenson says he would battle Teofimo Lopez now, however he desires to verify his fingers are “100%” once they do meet. Their battle is being focused for January or February 2026, offered Stevenson doesn’t expertise one other hand drawback in coaching camp.
Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) shall be shifting up from 135 to problem Teofimo (22-1, 13 KOs) for his WBO gentle welterweight title. Stevenson’s WBC light-weight title shall be placed on maintain, in addition to the contenders ready for his or her title shot.
Shakur says his rationale for preventing Lopez is to change into nice. Nonetheless, he’s not completed that along with his profession. There haven’t been any high-risk fights for Stevenson during which he got here in because the underdog anticipated to lose.
Prioritizing ‘100%’ Hand Well being
“I really feel the smarter route is to make it possible for my fingers are 100%. Teo is a man who’s just like me,” mentioned Shakur Stevenson to DAZN Boxing when requested if he would favor to battle Teofimo Lopez instantly fairly than ready till January or February 2026.
Don’t be stunned if this battle will get postponed. With Shakur’s brittle fingers, he won’t make it by coaching camp with out struggling an damage like final 12 months.
Shakur was alleged to battle Joe Cordina on the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol undercard on October 12, 2024, in Riyadh. Nonetheless, Stevenson suffered a right-hand damage and needed to bear surgical procedure to restore the issue. The Cordina battle was subsequently canceled.
“He desires this. It’s not fake. They need the celebrity and all of the stuff that comes with it, however they don’t need greatness. Teo is a type of guys who desires greatness additionally,” mentioned Shakur, speaking about Lopez being just like him in desirous to be a terrific fighter.
Like Shakur, Teofimo has been selective in his pursuit of greatness. He’s not fought the highest fighters from the 140-lb division, Gary Antuanne Russell, Richardson Hitchins, Subriel Matias, Alberto Puello, and Keyshawn Davis.
Lopez likes to say, “Make boxing nice once more,” giving his imaginative and prescient of what he’s making an attempt to do along with his profession. However he doesn’t apply that in actuality. It’s just a few line that he throws out, after which fights B and C-level opposition.
Cash Over Legacy for Each?
Shakur is not any completely different. He talks about desirous to be nice after which chooses to battle Josh Padley, William Zepeda, and Artem Harutyunyan. Many followers view Shakur’s pursuit of a battle in opposition to Lopez as being solely about cash.
Shakur speaks on preventing Teofimo! 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/bu6lUiwlqS
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) September 21, 2025
Boxing Information 24 » With Brittle Fingers a Concern, Shakur Stevenson’s Deliberate 2026 Bout In opposition to Teofimo Lopez Stays Unsure
Final Up to date on 09/21/2025
