“Teofimo can make it difficult if he attacks in jumps,” Russell said Battle hype. “It has to be controlled chaos, not just chaos. If he goes to Shakur and throws four or five punches, obviously Shakur is going to be on the defensive.”
Russell pointed to the version of Lopez who defeated Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020 as the model. In that fight, Lopez purposefully closed distance, sending his hands in bursts and forcing exchanges rather than waiting for single openings.
That comparison comes with limits. Lomachenko was smaller, visibly worn and carrying extensive amateur mileage when he faced Lopez at the age of 32. Stevenson presents a different problem. He’s younger, sharper defensively and much more comfortable neutralizing predictable offense with movement and counters.
The four- and five-press approach that Russell described mirrors the style that made Stevenson difficult earlier in his career, most notably against Robeisy Ramirez in the 2016 Olympics. Ramirez repeatedly attacked in quick combinations, forcing Stevenson to hold or retreat. Judges noted the disparity in activity.
“Shakur doesn’t want anybody there,” Russell said. “He might throw one fake counter, one punch. But if you threw five, you’re touching him more than he’s touching you. Judges notice.”
Stevenson has shown he can handle pressure when it comes in a straight line. Against William Zepeda, the volume was high, but the attacks were predictable and came at a steady pace. This allowed Stevenson to see, count and reset shots. What Russell describes is different. Short bursts. Sudden entries. No rhythm.
For Lopez, the challenge is not understanding the strategy. It is maintaining it. Throwing repeated four- and five-punch volleys against a counterpuncher like Stevenson is physically exhausting and carries real risk.
It requires a gas tank that Lopez has never had to rely on for long periods of time. Ramirez was built for that rhythm. Lopez has never shown it consistently. That gap between knowing the plan and surviving the cost of executing it is where this battle will likely be decided.
