Teofimo Lopez prides himself not solely on his potential however on his willingness to again himself towards the chances.
The larger-than-life and controversial 28-year-old faces a defining examination of his credentials and legacy when he meets Shakur Stevenson on January 31 at Madison Sq. Backyard.
The 2-weight champion places his WBO super-lightweight title at stake, whereas Stevenson chases glory in a fourth division. Such is the magnitude of the combat that the belt feels nearly secondary with repute, pleasure and ego dominating the storyline.
Lopez and Stevenson got here head to head at Wednesday’s launch press convention in New York for a conflict which is the ultimate marquee occasion of an already packed January that includes the return of Moses Itauma, Amanda Serrano and plenty of extra.
The largest fights in boxing are hardly ever stitched collectively with out the protection web of a rematch clause. Not too long ago, Usyk–Fury and Eubank Jr–Benn have materialised with return bouts already agreed earlier than a punch has been thrown.
Does Lopez–Stevenson have one? Struggle Hub TV posed that query to Lopez after the press convention. His response was unequivocal:
“No, no rematch clause. We threat it on a regular basis. No want for a rematch clause.”
Neither Lopez nor Stevenson has contested a rematch of their stellar careers up to now. Of their mixed 47 bouts, solely Lopez has tasted defeat—his upset loss to George Kambosos Jr in November 2021, when the Australian ripped away three light-weight titles.
