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Teofimo Lopez Vs. Shakur Stevenson – Will It Happen?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 10:12 AM ET

Teofimo Lopez, the WBO Junior Welterweight Champion, has reacted after Shakur Stevenson called him out.

Lopez has been calling out several big names, but to no avail. Some of them included the likes of Jaron Ennis and Terence Crawford. Ennis has moved up 154 pounds, ruling that fight out. Meanwhile, Crawford has jumped up to 168 pounds to take on Canelo Alvarez. However, one name who is willing to step in the ring is Shakur.

Stevenson came through William Zepeda in his last fight to retain his WBC Lightweight Title. Shakur’s failure to get the Tank Davis fight has left him with the possibility of moving up. He has said he would be even willing to fight Conor Benn at 147. As for Lopez, he defeated Arnold Barboza Jr. in his last fight to retain his WBO title. Shakur reacted to the possibility of a fight by challenging Teo, who has now reacted.

Lopez Reacts

If that fight does not happen, Emiliano Vargas is ready to step in. Vargas has trained alongside Teo, giving him an insight into what he could expect in the ring. However, at 21, he is still in the early part of his career despite having a 15-0 record. Vargas secured his biggest win in his last bout, stopping Jose Espinoza. His hand speed and knockout power, that being 13 stoppages from 15 wins, has made Vargas an exciting prospect. Vargas says he is ready for the biggest tests, including Teo.

“I respect Teo 120 percent. I don’t want a clip to come up and you guys turn it around [and say] I’m trashing Teo. I got nothing but love and respect for Teo. And however the deck falls, it falls. But I’m the new era of boxing, and a lotta other fighters are. And I believe — and this isn’t anything cocky — every fighter who’s became world champion said the same thing. I believe it wholeheartedly. … It’s definitely gonna happen,” Vargas said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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