Shakur Stevenson Open to Facing Roach if Lopez Fight Doesn’t Happen

Stevenson’s Options

Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) is targeting Ring Magazine and WBO junior welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez (22-0, 13 KOs), which would require moving up from 135 pounds to 140. If Lopez doesn’t accept, Stevenson plans to remain at lightweight and face Roach (25-1-2, 10 KOs), a fight that would keep him in his preferred division.

“Lamont was getting ready for the rematch so he is going to have an in-between fight and then fight me top of the year,” Stevenson wrote. “But it’s only if Teo doesn’t accept the fight, tho.”

Roach’s Situation After Davis Fallout

Roach was positioned for a lucrative rematch with Gervonta “Tank” Davis after their shocking March 1 majority draw in Brooklyn. Davis (30-0-1, 28 KOs) exercised his contractual right to an immediate rematch, but targeted dates in June and August came and went without a fight being finalized. Instead, Davis opted for a high-profile exhibition against Jake Paul on November 14 in Atlanta, leaving Roach without a clear path forward.

Stevenson Riding High

Stevenson is coming off one of the best wins of his career. A dominant unanimous decision over William Zepeda (33-1, 27 KOs) on July 12 in New York. The performance elevated him to the No. 1 lightweight spot in The Ring rankings. Surpassing Davis, and pushed him back into The Ring’s pound-for-pound list at No. 9.

Roach’s Current Standing

Roach of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Still holds the WBA 130-pound title and sits at No. 4 in The Ring’s junior lightweight rankings. If a fight with Stevenson materializes. It would represent the biggest opportunity of his career and a potential leap into the lightweight elite.

What’s Next?

Stevenson vs. Lopez would be the more high profile and legacy defining bout. But if it fails to materialize, Stevenson vs. Roach could provide a compelling matchup one that keeps both fighters active and relevant at the start of 2026.