Teofimo Lopez has agreed to fight Shakur Stevenson in a new weight class. The WBO world super-lightweight champion will face the unbeaten WBC world lightweight champion in what could be one of boxing's most exciting bouts.
Lopez defended his title on May 2 against mandatory challenger Arnold Barboza Jr. The fight took place in Times Square, New York City, where Lopez kept his belt with a unanimous decision win.
The Brooklyn native previously held the unified WBA, WBO, and IBF world lightweight titles from 2019 to 2021. His reign ended when he suffered his first professional loss to Australian George Kambosos Jr.
Stevenson, the current WBC world lightweight champion, called out Lopez on social media. In a recent post, Stevenson wrote:
"I seen u say u wanna fight me Teofimo Lopez what's stopping it from happening next and this ain't no bluff let's make boxing great again Lil Teo."
Lopez didn't hesitate to respond, agreeing to the fight but warning Stevenson to be careful what he wishes for. He stated:
"I'm going to repeat this, like I said to Barboza.. Shakur Stevenson Be careful what you ask for!"
While the Lopez-Stevenson matchup looks set to happen, there's still interest in a long-awaited 'dream-fight' between Stevenson and his long-term rival Gervonta Davis. Riyadh Season's Turki Alalshikh remains keen on making that bout a reality.
With both fighters at the top of their game, a clash between the 27-year-old Lopez and the unbeaten Stevenson promises to deliver fireworks in the ring. Boxing fans will eagerly await further details on this potential super-fight.
