Unified Champion Teofimo Lopez to Defend Titles Against Undefeated Shakur Stevenson in Blockbuster New York Showdown

New York, NY – Boxing aficionados are poised for a highly anticipated clash as unified light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez is set to defend his WBO and The Ring titles against undefeated WBC lightweight king Shakur Stevenson. The high-stakes champion-versus-champion bout, a significant event on the global boxing calendar, is scheduled to take place on January 31 of next year, with New York City serving as the host metropolitan area.

The announcement, made on Monday by Ring Magazine, confirms a monumental encounter that will see two of boxing’s most prominent young stars square off. Matchroom Boxing is slated to promote "The Ring 6" event, which will be broadcast live to a global audience on DAZN. While the specific venue within New York remains pending an official declaration, the city’s rich boxing heritage and the local connections of both fighters are expected to generate considerable excitement. Lopez, known as "The Takeover," hails from Brooklyn, New York, while Stevenson, a defensive maestro, represents nearby Newark, New Jersey, setting the stage for a regional rivalry on a grand platform.

Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs), at 26 years old, has consistently demonstrated his aggressive, power-punching style since turning professional in 2016. His career trajectory accelerated dramatically in 2020 when he defeated Vasyl Lomachenko via unanimous decision, unifying the WBA (Super), IBF, WBO, and The Ring lightweight titles. This victory cemented his status as a top-tier pound-for-pound fighter and established "The Takeover" as a household name. However, his reign at lightweight was unexpectedly cut short in November 2021 when he suffered his first professional loss, a split decision upset against George Kambosos Jr.

Following this setback, Lopez made the strategic decision to move up to the junior welterweight (140-pound) division. The transition proved successful, and he quickly re-established himself as a dominant force. In June 2023, Lopez defeated Josh Taylor to capture the WBO and The Ring light welterweight titles, becoming a two-division world champion. His 2025 campaign included a unanimous decision victory over Arnold Barboza Jr. in May, an event held at The Ring’s Times Square showcase. This win marked Lopez’s sixth consecutive victory since his loss to Kambosos Jr. and his third successful defense of his light welterweight belts, reinforcing his position at the summit of the division.

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Lopez, known for his charismatic and often outspoken demeanor, expressed his readiness for the upcoming challenge in a press release. "Duck, Duck, Goose! Are you ready for New York City? Brick city in the concrete jungle, so let’s get ready to rumble! The Takeover is here to stay, not play. ‘Make Boxing Great Again’ is my forte. Shakur will fall in nine," Lopez declared, signaling his trademark confidence and setting an aggressive tone for the build-up. His prediction of a ninth-round stoppage adds another layer of intrigue to the contest.

Across the ring stands Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs), the 28-year-old undefeated southpaw who has steadily built a reputation as one of boxing’s most technically proficient and defensively astute fighters. Stevenson’s amateur pedigree is extensive, highlighted by a silver medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. He transitioned to the professional ranks in 2017 and has since claimed world titles in three different weight classes: featherweight, super featherweight, and lightweight. His professional journey has been characterized by masterful performances, showcasing exceptional footwork, head movement, and counter-punching abilities that draw comparisons to defensive legends of the sport.

Stevenson’s 2025 season at lightweight was highly successful, featuring two dominant title defenses. He outpointed the tough William Zepeda in a comprehensive display of skill and then secured a ninth-round technical knockout victory over Josh Padley, further solidifying his status as the premier fighter in the lightweight division. His decision to move up to 140 pounds to challenge Lopez marks his attempt to capture a world title in a fourth weight division, a rare feat that would further enhance his already impressive legacy. This move represents Stevenson’s first foray into the light welterweight division, presenting a new set of challenges regarding power and physical strength from his opponents.

"I have never shied away from a challenge and always chased the biggest fights in the sport because I know I am one of the best boxers in the world," Stevenson stated in the official release. "Teofimo Lopez will learn that firsthand on Jan. 31 when I take his belt and show him that there are levels to this game. New York, get ready for a spectacular performance as I take over a fourth straight weight division." Stevenson’s declaration underscores his ambition and belief in his ability to conquer another weight class and dethrone a fellow champion.

The upcoming bout is laden with significant implications for both fighters and the boxing landscape. For Lopez, it represents another opportunity to prove his enduring dominance at 140 pounds against an elite, undefeated opponent. A victory over Stevenson would not only solidify his reign but also elevate his standing in the pound-for-pound rankings, silencing any lingering doubts from his sole professional defeat. For Stevenson, the fight offers a chance to achieve four-division world champion status, an accomplishment that would place him among an exclusive group of boxing greats. Furthermore, defeating a fighter of Lopez’s caliber would undeniably establish Stevenson as a top-five pound-for-pound fighter globally and perhaps a future face of the sport.

Stylistically, the matchup promises a fascinating contrast. Lopez is renowned for his explosive power, aggressive forward pressure, and willingness to engage, often seeking to overwhelm opponents with combinations and impactful single shots. His ability to deliver a knockout blow, even against experienced adversaries, remains a constant threat. Stevenson, conversely, is a defensive savant, known for his elusive movement, pinpoint counter-punching, and exceptional ring generalship. He prioritizes minimizing damage while systematically breaking down opponents with precise, intelligent offense. The contest will likely unfold as a strategic battle between Lopez’s offensive firepower and Stevenson’s defensive brilliance and tactical acumen.

A key factor in this fight will be Stevenson’s transition to the 140-pound division. While his skill set is undeniable, the question of whether his power and physical strength will translate effectively against naturally larger light welterweights, particularly one as dynamic as Lopez, remains to be seen. Lopez, having established himself at the weight class, will likely hold a size and strength advantage, which he may seek to exploit. However, Stevenson’s exceptional conditioning and ability to adapt have been hallmarks of his career.

The New York setting further amplifies the magnitude of this event. The city has a storied history of hosting iconic boxing matches, and the local roots of both Lopez and Stevenson are expected to draw a fervent crowd, creating an electric atmosphere. The event, branded "The Ring 6," also highlights the involvement of Ring Magazine, a publication steeped in boxing history, lending further prestige to the occasion. Matchroom Boxing, under the leadership of Eddie Hearn, has consistently delivered high-profile events, and their promotion of this clash indicates its significance within the sport.

As January 31 approaches, the boxing world will be intently focused on this collision of champions. The fight between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson is not merely a title defense but a pivotal moment that will shape the careers of two of boxing’s brightest stars and potentially redefine the landscape of the junior welterweight division for years to come.