Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson – Buddy McGirt breaks it down

One of the most eagerly anticipated fights in recent boxing history will take place on January 31 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson will headline the “The Ring 6” fight card, with Lopez’s WBO super lightweight title up for grabs.

Stevenson is the reigning WBC lightweight champion, moving up in weight to take on his fellow American. Ahead of this fascinating matchup, boxing coach Buddy McGirt spoke with Sean Zittel and broke the fight down, making his prediction.

Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson – Buddy McGirt weighs in on January 31

Last time out, Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) defeated William Zepeda by unanimous decision on the  Ring III fight card at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York City. The judges’ scorecards read 118-110 x2 and 119-109.

Earlier in 2025, Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) appeared on the widely-criticized May 2 Times Square card. Teo won the bout by unanimous decision, with scorecards of 116-112, 116-112, and 118-110.

When speaking to Sean Zittel, renowned boxing trainer Buddy McGirt gave his prediction for Lopez vs Stevenson:

“Oh, Shakur, definitely.”

When pressed on why he believes Shakur wins:

“He’s the best at that weight. No one’s going to beat him at that weight. He can go up to 147 and win a title, that’s how good he is. 

“It’s gonna be a good fight. I’m glad it’s finally happening. It’s a good fight in boxing where you’ve got two very skilled fighters. I love Teofimo. I picked him to beat Lomachenko, but I just think Shakur’s on another level,” said McGirt.

“They have two different styles. Shakur just has a style that to appreciate it, you gotta be a real boxing person,” added McGirt. “He (Stevenson) can take control at any time he wants to.”

Lopez vs Stevenson full fight card

• Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson, 12 rounds, for Lopez’s lineal/WBO super lightweight title
• Keyshawn Davis vs Jamaine Ortiz, 12 rounds, super lightweights
• Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington vs Carlos Castro, 12 rounds, for vacant WBC featherweight title
• Carlos Adames vs Austin “Ammo” Williams, 12 rounds, for Adames’ WBC middleweight title
• Jarrell Miller vs Kingsley Ibeh, 10 rounds, heavyweights
• Ziyad Almayouf vs Kevin Castillo, 8 rounds, welterweights