The end of the first month of the new year brings a dandy at the most famous arena in the world.
January 31, at Madison Square Garden, a boxing masterclass takes place with undefeated lightweight king Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs), who looks to relieve Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) of his long-held 140-pound title.
Stevenson, 28, with 8 years of pro experience, comes into the fight moving north, having been a former junior lightweight and lightweight world champion.
Lopez won the world lightweight title and held it until he lost it in an upset to George Kombosis in 2021. He returned as a super lightweight and beat Josh Taylor in 2023 for the WBO 140-pound strap. Lopez, a 28-year-old, 9-year pro, would be considered the more explosive puncher of the two. He likes to load and launch a tide-turning power shot
from either side.
However, the big question remains – can Lopez land these shots against the defensively airtight Stevenson? Many people feel that Teofimo’s speed and Stevenson’s elite sense of timing, distance, and defense will nullify skills.
It isn’t really a game of skills vs. strength, as both fighters have shown brilliant offensive and defensive skills throughout their pro careers.
While Lopez might have a slight edge in power, it is only a factor if he can land it. Against Stevenson, this seems an almost impossible task at times
This is a tough one to call because skills pay the bills, and both these fighters have skills for days!
Boxing’s new power-player, Turki Alalshikh, announced that the winner will earn another “legacy-defining fight” in May.
In recent interviews, both fighters appear confident they have the blueprint to score a victory.
“Every fight is a different version of me,” said Lopez. “I love it because even the people don’t know what they are going to get from me. That’s the beauty about it. Stevenson is not going to know until we fight”, he said. “He believes in himself, and that’s one thing”, said Lopez. “But, I am here to destroy all his dreams. When that bell rings, it’s lights out for him”.
Stevenson, who says he hasn’t reached his potential yet, makes his 140-pound debut with the intent to become a 4-division champion.
“I will be a hundred times better on fight night against Teofimo than I was against William Zepeda, (during July’s unanimous decision win),” said Stevenson. “I will be faster, stronger, sharper, and on point – I can’t wait to beat this clown”, he said. “It won’t be the type of fight he had against Vasiliy Lomachenko or Josh Taylor. That was the best he could do. I am way better than those guys”, he said.
Great fight. Tough one to call. Pressed, I am leaning toward Shakur Stevenson by UD.