It has been confirmed that Teofimo Lopez will defend his WBO featherweight title against Shakur Stevenson in one of the biggest fights in American boxing history.
The bout has been rumored in recent weeks and it was confirmed on Monday that Stevenson will challenge his fellow American on January 31 in New York City.
Lopez and Stevenson, both 28, are considered two of the brightest talents in US boxing, although both have been somewhat inconsistent with their performances in recent years.
However, Stevenson is undefeated at 24-0 (11 knockouts) and is currently a three-division world champion, having won gold at featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight.
He will look to add a fourth world title in January as he moves up in weight to challenge Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) at 147 pounds.
The pair will square off at an as-yet-undisclosed venue, though Madison Square Garden seems the most likely contender. Barclays Brooklyn Center is already booked for an event on January 31st.
Last time out, Lopez put on a clinic to take on Arnold Barboza Jr. to retain his WBO belt in Times Square in May. Lopez has held the title since 2023 and was previously a unified lightweight champion.
Stevenson, meanwhile, last fought in July, defeating William Zepeda by decision at New York’s Louis Armstrong Tennis Stadium. With the result, Stevenson retained his WBC lightweight belt, where he has campaigned since 2023.
Lopez vs. Stevenson is one of the bigger fights that could happen in American boxing at a time when the country’s top stars have largely failed to fight each other.
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Ryan Garcia’s 2024 fight with Devin Heaney may be the latest example of a top-flight fight between American talent, but it was marred by Garcia’s missed weight and post-fight revelations that he had failed a drug test. Garcia was suspended for a year and his score was converted to a no-contest. Thus, Hani remained undefeated.
The longtime amateur rivals were in line for a rematch this year, which would likely happen if each were to win their respective bouts on the Times Square card, where Lopez beat Barboza Jr.
Despite the relative absence of big fights in US boxing in recent times, Stevenson insisted in a press release on Monday: “I’ve never shied away from a challenge and I’ve always followed the biggest fights in the sport because I know I’m one of the best boxers in the world.”
“Teofimo Lopez will learn this firsthand on January 31st when I take his belt and show him there are levels to this game. New York, get ready for a spectacular performance as I make my fourth straight weight loss.”
Lopez seemed to point to the lack of exciting games stateside, saying, “Duck, duck, goose! Are you ready for New York City? […] Let’s get ready to roar! Takeover is here to stay, not the game. Make boxing great again is my forte. Shakur will fall on the 9th [rounds]”
Lopez has impressive victories over modern great Vasyl Lomachenko and former undisputed champion Josh Taylor. His only defeat came to George Cambusos Jr. in 2021. Meanwhile, southpaw Stevenson’s standout win arguably came against Oscar Valdez in 2022.
Lopez vs Stevenson, presented by The Ring Magazine, is promoted by Matchroom Boxing and will be broadcast live exclusively on DAZN.
The announcement follows Turki Al al-Sheikh’s statement last week, when the Saudi adviser denied reports of the country’s “reduction” in boxing spending. Alal Sheikh, who bought the ring in late 2024, has been one of the key figures in matchmaking at the highest level of the sport since 2023.
