Shakur Stevenson reposted Teofimo Lopez’s motivational message on social media and kept the pressure on him for their possible January 2026 light welterweight mega-fight.
Teofimo (22-1, 13 KOs) posted a “winners only win” message, which Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) may have interpreted as a dig at him trying to get one over on him.
The fans on social media want the two fighters to make an announcement already as they want to see the fight happen. Teo is distrusted because he had chances to fight but didn’t, either because he praised himself or backed down. There are a whole bunch of them.
- Devin Haney
- Jaron Ennis
- Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero
- Manny Pacquiao
- Devin Haney
- Shakur Stevenson
Facts 😈 https://t.co/ElUzOati7d
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) October 22, 2025
Fans smell desperation
What makes it interesting for fans is how desperate Shakur comes across. You can tell by the way he pursues Teofimo that he is so needy, it shows that he has no other options. It’s suffocating the way Stevenson pursues Lopez. It’s like he has no other options.
For Lopez, it’s going to be annoying how Shakur clings to him and doesn’t let him breathe. Whenever Teo posts, Shakur is right there and immediately reacts like a fan with a bad case of hero worship.
Teofimo is the bigger star and can pick whoever he wants to make big money. It’s understandable why he seems ambivalent about going up against Shakur. The money Lopez will earn fighting him is probably less than what he would get fighting some of the names he’s had the opportunity to fight.
Shakur’s last lifeline
There are so many dangerous contenders ranked in the WBC’s top five at lightweight that will destroy Shakur’s career, starting with #1 Andy Cruz. Stevenson really needs the Lopez fight to cash in while he still can, because once he’s beaten by Cruz, the bottom is going to fall out of his career.
If Shakur doesn’t get this fight, his days as the WBC 135-lb champion are numbered. The Cubans Andy Cruz and Jadier Herrera are coming for him. These are just two of the many contenders poised to dethrone Stevenson.
Last updated on 22/10/2025
