Shakur’s 4th-Division Dream Faces Teofimo Reality Check

Shakur Stevenson will challenge WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez for his title next month on January 31, 2026, in New York at ‘The Ring 6.’

It’s a step up in weight for lightweight champion Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) to face what some fans believe is the King of the division, Teofimo, for his WBO and Ring crown at light welterweight. The event will be shown live on DAZN with Matchroom Boxing as a promoter.

The fight is viewed as a toss-up, as Shakur lacks power and is a finesse-level guy facing one of the biggest punchers at 140, Teofimo. The fight could turn into a fencing-type chess match, which is how Stevenson prefers.

Turki Wants Real Action

“This fight between two huge talents will provide an exciting start to our plans for 2026, as we look to create another great year of boxing events around the world. We are looking forward to returning to New York in January and producing another big world title fight that fans have been waiting for,” said Turki Alalshikh.

Hopefully, Turki reminds the two fighters that he doesn’t want to see a Tom and Jerry-type performance, as many fans will be tuning in to watch the broadcast on January 31st. It wouldn’t look good if the bout turned into a track meet, with running and chasing.

“I have never shied away from a challenge and always chased the biggest fights in the sport because I know I am one of the best boxers in the world,” said Shakur. “Teofimo Lopez will learn that firsthand on January 31 when I take his belt and show him that there are levels to this game. New York, get ready for a spectacular performance as I take over a fourth straight weight division.”

Lopez’s Resume Edge

Teofimo has fought the far better opposition during his professsional career. We know that Shakur can beat fighters like Josh Padley, Artem Harutyunyan, and William Zepeda, but we haven’t seen him fight any of the true A-level fighters during his eight-year pro career. This would be the first time since he turned pro in 2017 that he’s going to face a high-level fighter.

Stevenson still uses his amateur style, which has led to a lot of criticism from fans who prefer action and entertainment. It’ll be up to Lopez to force Shakur into a dog fight.