With fragile hands a concern, Shakur Stevenson’s planned 2026 match against Theofimo Lopez is still uncertain

Shakur Stevenson says he will now fight Theofimo Lopez, but he wants to make sure his hands are “100%” if they do meet. Their battle is targeted for January or February 2026, provided Stevenson does not experience another hand problem in the training camp.

Shakur (24-0, 11 COs) will go up from 135 to challenge Theofimo (22-1, 13 COs) for his WBO Light Welterweight title. Stevenson’s WBC lightweight title will be suspended, as well as the contenders waiting for their title shot.

Shakur says his rationale for the fight against Lopez is to grow up. However, he did not do so with his career. There was not yet a high-risk fighting for Stevenson in which he came in when the underdog expected to lose.

Prioritize ‘100%’ hand health

“I feel that the smarter route is to make sure my hands are 100%. Teo is a man who is similar to me, ‘said Shakur Stevenson to Dazn Boxing when asked if he preferred to fight Tefimo Lopez immediately, rather than waiting until January or February 2026.

Don’t be surprised if this fight is postponed. With Shakur’s brittle hands, he might not get it through the training camp without doing an injury like last year.

Shakur was supposed to fight Joe Cordina on October 12, 2024, against Joe Cordina on the Artur Betterbiev against Dmitri Bivol -Down Card. However, Stevenson sustained a right -hand injury and had to undergo surgery to recover the problem. The Cordina fight was then canceled.

“He wants it. It’s not pretending. They want the fame and all the things that come with it, but they don’t want greatness. Teo is one of the guys who also wants greatness, ‘Shakur says, talking that Lopez is similar to him to be a big fighter.

Like Shakur, theofimo was selective in his pursuit of greatness. He did not fight the top fighters from the 140 -pound division, Gary Antuanne Russell, Richardson Hitchins, Subriel Matias, Alberto Puello and Keyshawn Davis.

Lopez likes to say, “Make boxing again,” giving his vision of what he’s trying to do with his career. But he does not practice it in reality. It’s just a line he throws out and then fights against B and C level opposition.

Money about legacy for both?

Shakur is no different. He talks about being wonderful and then chooses to fight against Josh Padley, William Zepeda and Artem Harutyunyan. Many fans consider Shakur’s pursuit of a fight against Lopez as only about money.

Shakur talks about the fight against theofimo! 👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/bu6luiwlqs

– Dazn Boxing (@daznboxing) September 21, 2025