By: Sean Crose
In a shock to nobody the Shakur Stevenson- Teofimo Lopez junior welterweight battle is formally going to go down at New York’s Madison Sq. Backyard. When the battle was introduced, the situation of the match had but to be given, which just about meant it was right down to both Madison Sq. Backyard or the Barclay’s Middle in Brooklyn. It seems the promotion has determined to stay with custom as Madison Sq. Backyard was generally known as the heartbeat {of professional} boxing for years. Certainly it was reportedly even created – not less than the primary model of it was – to accommodate Jack Dempsey.
That is an occasion the place the situation of a battle makes all of the sense on the earth. Lopez, the World Boxing Group junior welterweight champion, is from Brooklyn. The undefeated Stevenson on the opposite gloved hand, hails from close by Newark, New Jersey. It’s a northeastern battle between two northeasterners. What’s extra, the battle will showcase totally different kinds of boxing clashing on the highest degree. Stevenson is about as scientific as a scientific fighter comes, whereas Lopez then again, is thought for his thunderous energy… not less than he was earlier than shifting as much as junior welterweight. He’s additionally expert sufficient sufficient to have defeated none apart from Vasyl Lomachenko a number of years in the past.
After a ho-hum 2025, it will likely be good to see 2026 kickoff with a significant battle between two of one of the best within the enterprise. The bout which is able to go down on January thirty first is about as huge as they arrive (not counting the uncommon tremendous battle that truly captures consideration outdoors of boxing’s fanbase). Lopez as an example, is among the extra colourful personalities in a really colourful sport. Stevenson may not be showy however he’s had followers questioning for some time now how he would do in opposition to any individual who is kind of an equal. Persons are about to seek out out very quickly. Doubtless the Backyard must be offered out for this occasion.
In an period, the place some boxers aren’t actually inquisitive about proving themselves and even preventing all that a lot. It’s refreshing to see males like Lopez and Stevenson being prepared to place all of it on the road. That is additionally an error the place a single loss can damage one’s status. That’s a bit loopy but it surely’s sadly true. Each Lopez and Stevens enjoyable are nicely conscious of this however are going to take the danger of going through off in opposition to one another anyway. It’s what boxing is all about. That is no doubt, practically an ideal battle for MSG.
