Teofimo Lopez mentioned as we speak that he’s wanting ahead to preventing Shakur Stevenson in 2026. He states that the paperwork continues to be being “tossed backwards and forwards’ between them. Nothing has been signed but, Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) is hoping the deal might be accomplished “quickly sufficient.”
Assuming the battle does occur, Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) might be freezing his WBC light-weight title to maneuver as much as 140 to problem Teofimo for his WBO mild welterweight title. It’s believed the battle might happen in January 2026 on DAZN PPV. It’s not a large enough one to be positioned on Netflix. There aren’t sufficient informal boxing followers who’re aware of Stevenson and Lopez.
“We discuss what we discuss, however now it’s time to again up what we discuss. Sure, we’re wanting ahead to preventing Shakur Stevenson in early 2026. I’m positively wanting and excited for it,” mentioned Teofimo Lopez to Brian Custer’s social media deal with on X when requested if he’ll be preventing Shakur Stevenson subsequent 12 months.
Shakur’s Strategic Transfer
Folks need the negotiations to be over with already, as Lopez and Shakur have been going backwards and forwards for 2 months with out an announcement. After Shakur obtained a pleasant payday of $7 million for his battle towards William Zepeda on July twelfth in Queens, New York, he’s ensuring he doesn’t take a pay minimize by hustling a battle towards Teofimo.
If Shakur selected to defend his WBC light-weight title towards his #1-ranked contender, Andy Cruz, he wouldn’t make as a lot, and he would possibly lose. So, it’s comprehensible why Stevenson has pushed so exhausting for the Teofimo. It really works for him in two methods—cash and avoiding a potential loss to the Cuban Andy Cruz.
“Neither considered one of us has gotten to the purpose the place we’ve signed on the dotted line. We’re nonetheless in negotiations. Our paperwork is being tossed backwards and forwards. Quickly sufficient, the battle followers all over the world will see us having a battle deal,” mentioned Lopez.
Keyshawn Ready in Line
If Teofimo doesn’t get this battle made towards Shakur, he’s going to be caught with an disagreeable one towards #1-ranked WBO 140-lb contender Keyshawn Davis. The World Boxing Group lately moved Keyshawn to #1 after he petitioned for it after being stripped of his WBO light-weight title on June 6, 2025, after failing to make weight for his title protection towards Edwin De Los Santos on June 7, 2025.
