Shakur Stevenson Calls Out Teofimo Lopez: “Let’s Make Boxing Great Again,” But What’s His True Motive?

Shakur Stevenson posted on social media today, calling out Teofimo Lopez. Stevenson challenged the WBO light welterweight champion, Teofimo, to “fight” him so they can “make boxing great again.” That’s a phase that Shakur began spouting after his win over William Zepeda.

(Credit: Golden Boy)

Stevenson’s “Great Again” Motive

When it comes to putting that in practice, he’s not trying to make the sport “great,” because he won’t fight his #1 WBC top contender, such as Andy Cruz. So, Shakur uses the “make boxing great again” slogan in a self-serving way when it suits him, but not when he has to take a risk by fighting someone who could ruin his career.

Shakur’s Entitlement for Lopez Fight

Kur wants to cut corners, having Teofimo give him the title shot on a silver platter without earning it. In other words, he wants a handout from Lopez. The sense of entitlement from Shakur is obvious. He feels he deserves to skip the line because he beat Josh Padley, Artem Harutyunyan, and William Zepeda.

Skipping Contenders for Teofimo?

– Ernesto Mercado
– Gary Antuanne Russell
– Jamaine Ortiz
– Keyshawn Davis

There wouldn’t be an issue if Shakur committed to the 140-lb division and put in the work like the other contenders waiting in line.

It’s a strange call out, given that Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) had said recently that he doesn’t feel he’s got the size to fight at 140. For him to be badgering Teofimo (22-1, 13 KOs) for a fight means that Stevenson is after money, not legacy. He’s become like other fighters, chasing dough rather than wanting to fight the best in the lightweight division.

It would make sense for Shakur to attempt to weasel a fight from Teofimo if he’d beaten these lightweights first: Andy Cruz, Abdullah Mason, Floyd Schofield, Raymond Muratalla, and Jadier Herrera.

Stevenson is supposed to be healing his hands until November or 2026 after his grueling fight against Willim Zepeda. The Mexican volume puncher connected on 292 of 979 punches, and fought well enough to deserve the decision.

Teofimo Won’t Fight “Runners”

It’s a waste of time for Shakur to be chasing a payday against Lopez because it’s not going to happen. Teofimo doesn’t fight runners. He doesn’t want to be involved in Tom and Jerry fights. However, if Shakur moves up to 140 and beats all the top contenders waiting, he might be able to force a fight.

I seen u say u wanna fight me @TeofimoLopez what’s stopping it from happening next and this ain’t no bluff let’s make boxing great again Lil Teo

— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) July 25, 2025