Shakur Stevenson: Fight With Teofimo Lopez Very Close
- Matthew Brown
- Sep 20
- 2 min read
09/20/2025
One of boxing’s most anticipated matchups is on the horizon.
The long-rumored super fight between WBC Lightweight Champion Shakur Stevenson and WBO Junior Welterweight Champion Teofimo Lopez is edging toward reality. According to Stevenson himself, the blockbuster showdown is nearly finalized.
In a wide-ranging appearance on Gil’s Arena, Stevenson revealed just how close the negotiations have come. “The bout is very, very close,” he told the panel. It’s been the clearest indication yet that the bout, which started as a social media dispute, is actually going to be fought in the ring.
If completed, the clash would finally pit two of the sport’s top pound-for-pound stars against each other. Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) and Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) have long circled each other since their shared days under the Top Rank banner. Despite years of speculation, the fight was never put together. Now, with both fighters reportedly free agents, the timing has never been better.
“With the right backing, the right promotion, I think the fight is going to sell tremendously,” Stevenson said, confident that the matchup will capture global attention.
According to Lance Pugmire of Boxing Scene, though not yet confirmed by either camp, the promotional logistics are expected to be handled by Premier Boxing Champions in collaboration with Turki Alalshikh, in what would be a boxing landscape shaking development.
Stevenson also gave Lopez his due respect despite their competitive rivalry. “People can talk shit about him, but you gotta respect him. You gotta be real and not question Teo heart. I don’t think he’s a bitch,” Stevenson stated emphatically, making clear he sees Lopez as a dangerous and worthy adversary.
Both men are coming off impressive victories that reinforce the magnitude of the matchup. Stevenson scored a dominant unanimous decision in July over the previously undefeated William Zepeda, while Lopez earned his own unanimous decision triumph in May against the previously unbeaten Arnold Barboza Jr.
What would a Stevenson-Lopez bout mean to the sport? Stevenson summed it up succinctly: “The winner of Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson becomes the leader of the new generation.”
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