Lopez Vs Stevenson Set Jan 31 In NYC — Fans Already Split

By Elliot Raines: Shakur Stevenson against Teofimo Lopez is a golden “done deal” for New York City on January 31, 2026. The fight that fans have been pushing for is finally happening.

Fans Cry “Garbage Matchup”

The news revealed today by DAZN commentator Chris Mannix on X. Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs), a native of Newark, New Jersey, will move up from lightweight to battle the New Yorker Teofimo (22-1, 13 KOs) for his WBO light welterweight title on his home turf in NYC.

Not all fans are excited about this match-up, viewing it as “garbage” between two counter-punchers, both waiting on the other to throw. Outside of the ring, it’ll be entertaining listening to them trash-talk during the build-up. But instead of the squared circle, it’ll be a chess match.

Matias and Russell Would’ve Hit Better

For fighters like Teo and Stevenson, they need to be matched against aggressive fighters who bring nonstop heat. That’s the only way to make it entertaining. It would have been better if they were fighting light welterweight champions Subriel Matias or Gary Antuanne Russell.

“From what I’m told, it’s a done deal. We’re going to get Teofimo against Shakur in New York City on the last weekend of January. January 31st is the targeted date right now,” said Chris Mannix to DAZN Boxing about the Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson.

“I don’t necessarily love that fight in the ring. I think it has the potential to be a stinker based on the styles of both guys. But Shakur is the top dog at 135 lbs. Teofimo is the top guy at 140 lbs,” said Chris.

Lopez is the most popular fighter at 140, but he’s far from the “top guy.” There are arguably four better fighters than Teofimo, starting with Gary Antuanne Russell. The other three are Subriel Matias, Keyshawn Davis, and Ernesto Mercado.

Turki’s Possible Role

It’s unknown if Turki Alalshikh is going to finance this fight. If so, he needs to remind Teofimo and Shakur that he doesn’t want a “Tom and Jerry” fight. That might help them resist fighting in their standard styles. Lopez used to be a puncher when he was fighting at 135. But since moving up to 140, he’s become a copy of Shakur with his hit-and-not-get-hit style.

Lopez’s last fight against Arnold Barboza Jr. on May 2, 2025, was one of the dullest on Turki Alalshikh’s Times Square card. He used the Shakur-esque three-foot step-back style all night, rarely engaging and boring the small crowd, who were deathly silent.

Elliot Raines has covered British and European boxing since 2010. Known for his sharp pen and low tolerance for hype, Raines dissects the sport’s politics, promoters, and paper champions with dry precision.