Teofimo Lopez Vs. Shakur Stevenson Breakdown

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jan 26, 2026 1:34 AM ET

Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson headline “The Ring 6” on January 31, as we preview this upcoming fight.

Lopez is making the fourth defense of the WBO 140 title he snatched from Josh Taylor in 2023. He remains in peak form following a dominant unanimous decision win over the previously unbeaten Arnold Barboza Jr. on May 2, 2025. Shakur is moving up from lightweight to hunt a world title in a fourth weight class. In Stevenson’s last outing, he successfully defended his WBC lightweight crown with a lopsided unanimous decision over William Zepeda.

Pre-Fight

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“They had to bring a lightweight to try and dethrone Teofimo because they had no other options. What I am is far better and greater than what they know. This means everything to me. Shakur is another fighter and another column to add to my pedigree. I’m thankful, and I want more. “But no one is like Shakur Stevenson, and that’s what makes the fight even more exciting. My best attribute in my skillset is my footwork. I’m looking forward to seeing how much I am going to develop going against a fighter like him, and what I learned from my previous professional fights,” Lopez said

“I’ve been building my career, and the moment has come. Teofimo was willing to do it, and now we’re here. I’m turned up. Let’s go get it. I fight whatever style is needed to win. I hope they expect a better version of me on fight night. I want to prove how great I am. After I get out of the ring, I want everyone to talk about how I am that guy. I am coming to put on a show,” Shakur stated

The Approach

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Lopez’s greatest tactical strength lies in his ability to “rise to the level of his competition.” He is a athletic counter-puncher, allowing him to use his explosive speed to land fight-ending shots. In his 2023 victory over Josh Taylor, Lopez showcased masterclass footwork—shifting angles to neutralize Taylor’s southpaw stance and landing lead right hands over the top. Against Stevenson, Lopez will likely focus on cutting off the ring and using feints to bait Shakur into an exchange.

Stevenson enters the 140-pound division as arguably the best defensive fighter in boxing. Tactically, Shakur uses a jab to dictate the range, frequently resetting the center of the ring to ensure he is never trapped against the ropes. While he traded in the pocket during his recent win over William Zepeda, he may revert to a more back-foot, technical approach against Lopez. By utilizing his southpaw advantage, Stevenson aims to keep Lopez at the end of his reach, using “pull-counters” to punish Lopez’s entries.