Can Shakur Beat Teo?

Trainer Buddy McGirt is confident that Shakur Stevenson has the ideal “style” to defeat WBO Junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez.

McGirt’s comments come amid reports the pair will fight each other in 2026. Stevenson would be moving up to 140, having beaten William Zepeda in his last fight to retain his WBC Lightweight Title. While Shakur came out victorious, he was rocked in the early part of the fight when he was trapped on the ropes. Lopez has shown he has the one-punch knockout power, although it has not been displayed at 140. McGirt felt Shakur would have to stay in the centre and fight to beat Teo, rather than rely on his usual elusive movement.

“With Shakur, they say, ‘Styles make fights.’ I think Shakur’s style will give him trouble. To me, I don’t think Shakur has shown the world his best. He does just enough to win, but in a fight like that. I think Shakur will step up to the plate and get it on. They’re going to have to because they’re fighting in front of their hometowns,” McGirt said

The Approach

The core flaw in McGirt’s argument is his dismissal of the physical difference at 140. If a high-volume fighter with moderate power like Zepeda could cause Stevenson some issues, the risk from Lopez is astronomical. Lopez, a natural junior welterweight, has proven, fight-ending power in his right hand. He is not a volume puncher like Zepeda; he is a finisher. Lopez thrives when opponents come forward aggressively, as they are making themselves easier targets for his counters.

Finally, McGirt’s assertion that Stevenson will “step up to the plate” due to the rivalry is a major gamble. Stevenson’s disciplined, risk-averse mindset has been the cornerstone of his career. Trying to force a fighter to adopt an aggressive style he has deliberately avoided is highly unpredictable. A fighter who is forced out of his technical zone often makes crucial mistakes. For Lopez, who has struggled with inconsistency, a mistake-ridden, aggressive Stevenson is the perfect opponent, as it would allow him to capitalize on the defensive lapses that a cautious Stevenson would never provide.