Shakur Stevenson Risks Ruin Chasing Teofimo At 140

Many fans on social media believe that Shakur Stevenson is making a mistake moving up to 140 to face Teofimo Lopez in early 2026.

Shakur’s lack of size, power, and physical strength is why the doubters are picking Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) to win this bout on January 31, 2026. WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo has repeatedly shown he can fight in the pocket and trade with heavy-handed opponents.

We haven’t seen Stevenson hold his ground against true punchers since he turned professional in 2017. Across the three divisions he’s competed in, he has only faced one genuine power threat: Edwin De Los Santos. In their November 2023 fight, Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) boxed on the move for most of the 12 rounds.

Shakur’s post earlier today on social media — saying he won’t be taking part in Thanksgiving because Teofimo predicted he would make him quit — suggests he is taking this matchup extremely seriously. When fighters adjust their routines around a training camp, it usually means the stakes feel high.

“No thanksgiving this year for me. Dude said he gone make me quit on the stool or knock me out… WE WORKING TODAY. F** THAT,”* said Shakur on X.

Shakur’s last fight was against volume puncher William Zepeda, and he absorbed more shots than we typically see from him. He stood his ground far more than usual, and the pace of that fight left visible marks on him by the final bell. That was against a fighter not known for single-punch power. Teofimo presents a far different challenge, and the stylistic matchup will be demanding.

Hopefully, Shakur and his team have fully evaluated what comes with this jump to 140 and the threat Lopez brings on January 31st. A loss here would complicate Stevenson’s plans for 2026, including potential fights against Conor Benn and Lamont Roach. Those matchups could be pushed aside depending on what happens with Teo.