An official announcement for Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson is expected “very soon,” with the super-lightweight showdown likely to take place in January 2026. Lopez has ruled as WBO champion since unseating Josh Taylor and has since made three successful defenses against Jamaine Ortiz, Steve Claggett, and Arnold Barboza Jr.
For Stevenson the fight represents both a super-lightweight debut and an opportunity to cement his legacy by challenging one of the division’s standout fighters. Already a three-division champion and the reigning WBC lightweight titleholder, he now looks to extend his dominance further up the scales.
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Talks of the matchup intensified after Terence Crawford’s historic win over Canelo Alvarez, when the new super-middleweight king publicly urged Lopez to take the fight. Lopez confirmed in a Boxing News interview that negotiations are virtually complete, with only the date left to finalize. Confident of victory, he promised not only to beat Stevenson but to “outclass him” and hinted at finishing the fight inside the distance.
Stevenson’s move up could also reshape the lightweight landscape. With him vacating his WBC belt, top contender Andy Cruz may be positioned to fight Panama’s Ricardo Nunez for the vacant title. That scenario hinges on Stevenson’s decision after his clash with Lopez - whether he returns to 135 or stays on at 140.
As the new year approaches, Lopez vs. Stevenson is already shaping up as a statement-making battle to kick off 2026 in style.
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