Shakur Stevenson will challenge WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez for his title next month on January 31, 2026 in New York at ‘The Ring 6’.
It’s a step up in weight for lightweight champion Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) to face what some fans believe is the King of the Division, Teofimo, for his WBO and Ring crown at light welterweight. The event will be shown live on DAZN with Matchroom Boxing as a promoter.
The fight is considered a toss-up because Shakur lacks power and is a finesse-level guy facing one of the biggest punchers at 140, Teofimo. The fight could turn into a screen-type chess match, which is how Stevenson prefers it.
Turki wants real action
“This battle between two great talents will provide an exciting start to our plans for 2026 as we strive to create another great year of boxing events around the world. We look forward to returning to New York in January and producing another great world title fight that fans have been waiting for,” said Turki Alalshikh.
Hopefully, Turki reminds the two fighters that he doesn’t want to see a Tom and Jerry type act, as many fans will tune in to watch the broadcast on January 31st. It won’t look good if the fight turns into a track meet, with running and chasing.
“I’ve never shied away from a challenge and always chased the biggest fights in the sport because I know I’m one of the best boxers in the world,” Shakur said. “Teofimo Lopez will learn this firsthand on January 31st when I take his belt and show him that there are levels in this game. New York, get ready for a spectacular show as I take over a fourth straight weight division.”
Lopez’s CV Edge
Teofimo has fought much better opposition throughout his professional career. We know that Shakur can beat fighters like Josh Padley, Artem Harutyunyan, and William Zepeda, but we haven’t seen him fight any of the true A-level fighters during his eight-year professional career. It will be the first time since he turned pro in 2017 that he will face a high-level fighter.
Stevenson still uses his amateur style, which has led to a lot of criticism from fans who prefer action and entertainment. It will be up to Lopez to force Shakur into a dogfight.
Last updated on 12/01/2025
