Teofimo Lopez Calls Out Shakur Stevenson After Latest Win
Teofimo Lopez Calls Out Shakur Stevenson After Latest Win...
Teofimo Lopez reignited his rivalry with Shakur Stevenson on Wednesday, challenging the unbeaten former champion to a long-awaited showdown. The callout came just hours after Lopez's dominant unanimous decision win over Steve Claggett in Las Vegas, putting the boxing world on notice.
Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) didn't mince words during his post-fight interview on ESPN. "Shakur's been running his mouth for years," the former unified lightweight champion said. "I'm ready to shut him up once and for all. Let's make this happen in 2026."
The brewing feud between the two elite fighters has captivated boxing fans since 2024, when Stevenson (22-0, 10 KOs) began publicly questioning Lopez's resume. Social media erupted after Lopez's latest comments, with #LopezStevenson trending nationwide on Twitter/X within hours.
Stevenson responded Thursday morning via Instagram Live: "Teo's still emotional from that loss to [George] Kambosos. I'll fight him whenever, but he needs to prove he's back to championship level first." The former WBC lightweight champion last fought in February, outpointing William Zepeda.
Promoter Bob Arum told BoxingScene.com that Top Rank is "seriously exploring" the potential superfight for late 2026. "These are two of boxing's biggest personalities and most skilled fighters," Arum said. "The fans want it, and we're going to try to deliver."
Industry analysts predict the bout could generate over 500,000 pay-per-view buys given both fighters' growing mainstream profiles. Lopez's last three fights have averaged 1.2 million viewers on ESPN platforms, while Stevenson's February bout drew 987,000 viewers.
The potential matchup comes at a critical time for boxing's lightweight division. With Devin Haney moving up to 140 pounds and Gervonta Davis focused on other opponents, Lopez vs. Stevenson could crown the division's new face.
Las Vegas and New York have already emerged as leading candidates to host the potential superfight. The MGM Grand Garden Arena, where Lopez fought last night, hasn't hosted a major boxing event since Canelo Alvarez's September 2025 bout.
Fans won't have to wait long for developments. Both fighters confirmed they'll appear on ESPN's "Friday Night Fights" this week to discuss the potential matchup further. The segment airs at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
