For years, Shakur Stevenson kept calling out the biggest names in boxing. Now, one of them has finally answered. After a long wait for a career-defining opportunity, Stevenson will face Teofimo Lopez Jr. in a blockbuster showdown on January 31, headlining The Ring 6 at Madison Square Garden. Lopez will put his Ring and WBO junior welterweight titles on the line in what figures to be the most important fight of Stevenson’s career.
Stevenson made it clear this is a fight that’s been living in his head for a long time. “I’ve been thinking about fighting him since the amateurs,” Stevenson said during a recent DAZN face-to-face with Lopez. “I admired the type of boxer he was. He had the skillset to shine. I wanted to see myself against that.”
As Stevenson climbed divisions capturing world titles at 126, 130, and 135 pounds his frustration grew. The fighters he wanted most never materialized. Despite publicly calling for bouts with Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia, and Vasiliy Lomachenko, Stevenson found himself repeatedly shut out of mega fights.
“If you look in and around my weight class, I can’t get the other fighters to get in the ring,” Stevenson said.
Forced to Build Without the Spotlight
Instead of marquee names, Stevenson built his résumé the hard way. Wins over William Zepeda, Josh Padley, Robson Conceição, Oscar Valdez, and Jamel Herring proved his consistency but not his star power.
“A lot of people didn’t give me the opportunity to show my greatness,” Stevenson said. “A lot of fighters either ducked or found the business way not to get in front of me.”
That’s why this fight means everything. “Teo gave me the opportunity of a lifetime,” he added. “I’ve been building my career, and the moment has come. Teofimo was willing to do it, and now we’re here. I’m turned up. Let’s go get it.”
Stevenson Vows a Different Version on Fight Night
Stevenson enters the fight unbeaten at 24-0 with 11 knockouts a record that has often fueled criticism that his brilliance hasn’t always translated to excitement.
He insists that changes on January 31.
“I fight whatever style is needed to win,” Stevenson said. “I hope they expect a better version of me on fight night, I want to prove how great I am. After I get out of the ring, I want everyone to talk about how I am that guy.”
“I am coming to put on a show.”
Lopez Embraces the Challenge
Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) has never shied away from danger. His résumé includes signature wins over Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, and he views Stevenson as the next test in proving his supremacy.
“It’s the best fighting the best,” Lopez said. “You see Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez fighting each other, and you want to emulate that.”
While Lopez enters as the betting underdog, he’s relishing the role.
“Shakur is a great fighter. We can’t say we’re the best and not test it,” Lopez said. “My goal is to defend my throne. I can’t call it ‘The Takeover’ and have someone take it over.”
Ilia Topuria Targets UFC 324 Winner for Return, Fires Shots at Makhachev and Tsarukyan
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
