Athletics vs. Fundamentals Teofimo vs. Shakur

This highly anticipated championship bout features boxer-puncher Teofimo Lopez against ultimate ring technician Shakur Stevenson. Because of his superior skills, Shakur is the betting favorite, but Teofimo is definitely a live dog.

When the lights shine bright, Teofimo Lopez rises to the occasion. In October 2020, Lopez shocked the world when he defeated Vasiliy Lomachenko to win the WBA, WBO and The Ring lightweight titles.

Three years later, Lopez dominated Josh Taylor to win the WBO and The Ring super-lightweight titles. Lopez would go on to have three successful world title defenses.

Now Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) is ready to make a fourth title defense against the best lightweight in the world. Reigning WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has moved up to 140 to challenge himself as he wants to face all the top level fighters.

Shakur Stevenson is an elite ring technician who has an educated jab, speed, accuracy, footwork, excellent jab variations and airtight defense. During his 24 fight career, Stevenson regularly outboxed his opponents.

Like a Major League Baseball pitcher, Shakur would dictate the pace, control distance and execute the shutout. Some of his opponents were lucky to win one or two rounds.

Shakur has had wins against good opponents, but Teofimo Lopez is definitely the most talented opponent Shakur has ever faced. Teofimo’s best qualities are his speed, athleticism and explosiveness.

To successfully defend his title, Teofimo must remain disciplined throughout the 12-round contest. He must eliminate his habit of reaching out and overindulging.

On the attacking side, Teofimo Lopez must set the pace of the fight by fighting off the front foot. Lopez needs to be effective as it relates to cutting off the ring and using controlled aggression. Lopez’s main goal is to take Stevenson out of his comfort zone.

Southpaw Shakur Stevenson wins this fight by simply being himself. Use constant movement, control the center of the ring, throw the jab, touch the body and connect with timely counter shots.

Saturday night’s main event is a very intriguing battle, as it features Shakur’s fundamentals versus Teofimo’s unorthodox athleticism. Conventional wisdom would have you think Shakur’s ring generalship would lead him to victory.

On the other hand, Teofimo’s unorthodox style and his athleticism could cause problems. Another element that could potentially be problematic is Lopez’s hitting power.

Will Teofimo Lopez put another big name on his resume Saturday night at Madison Square Garden, or will Shakur Stevenson earn a crown and become a four-division world champion?