Shakur Stevenson’s Press Conference Warning To Teofimo Lopez: “If I Smack U, I’m Wrong”

Shakur Stevenson reacted to Teofimo Lopez’s post today about making him cry after he “whoops” him, and announcing his next target, Ryan Garcia. Stevenson responded by saying that he would be in the wrong if he were to “smack” him at the press conference.

Shakur’s Reaction to Insults

It would be entirely out of character for Shakur to “smack” Lopez at a press conference. If it’s for theatrical purposes to create hype in a WWE-ish manner, a slap would work to create interest.

Fans laughed at Stevenson on social media about him trying to sound aggressive and stand on his hind legs for once. It would only be happy if he and Teofimo planned it out like a stage production.

Shakur’s comment about slapping Lopez at a press conference suggests he’s getting ahead of himself. The fight hasn’t been signed, and may not happen. If the money isn’t there, it won’t happen.

The main reason Stevenson wouldn’t slap Teofimo is because he’d be so grateful that he’s given him the opportunity for the payday. He’d feel indebted to Teo. Shakur has been begging for this fight a long, long time. The last thing he’d want to do is bite the hand that feeds.

Teofimo had confirmed with his post that he still plans on fighting Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) next, despite being called out by Ryan today.

Stevenson should be happy that Lopez is still interested in fighting him, because a clash against Kingry would be a bigger one in terms of payday. That would still depend on Turki Alalshikh.

Financial Stakes of the Fight

Perhaps, he’d be willing to overpay for the Lopez vs. Garcia match in the same way he’s doing with the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight. That’s a fight that fans aren’t asking for, and it won’t bring in the same money that is being paid out for purses.

So, if Turki is willing to overpay for the Lopez-Shakur fight, it would be bigger than a Lopez vs. Garcia fight. It just comes to popularity; the Garcia match is the bigger payday for Teofimo.

See now if I smack u at the press conference im wrong https://t.co/CsXNoBbhF5

— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) August 9, 2025