Teofimo Lopez (22-2, 13 KO) was decisively defeated by Shakur Stevenson (25-0, 11 KO) last Saturday in the main event of The Ring 6 boxing evening at Madison Square Garden in New York. All the judges scored it 119-109 — 11 rounds to one — and Stevenson left the ring with the WBO super lightweight title in his debut fight in this division, becoming a champion in four weight categories.
"I took a risk, and the dealer gave me the wrong cards," Lopez said in an interview with The Stomping Ground after the fight. "I wasn't trying too hard tonight. We got the decision we got. I didn't listen well to my team. It's my fault. My team did a phenomenal job. They had great guidance and instructions. I just didn't listen."
According to CompuBox, Stevenson delivered a total of 165 punches, while Lopez — 72, even though he threw almost a hundred more. Of Lopez's 72 punches, 59 were to Stevenson's body.
"I knew about his jab. I just couldn't get to my distance. I played too much by his rules." Lopez added. "I was too focused on a specific target instead of enjoying the opportunities that opened up. I often hit him in the body. I think it was one of the effective tools in my arsenal that always worked. I should have thrown more combinations, especially finishing them with a left hook."
"I hate myself for it, but it’s just part of life," Lopez added. "I grew up in tough and hardened conditions. I'm always hard on myself because of it. But I'm in a good position to take it like a true champion. We'll return to the basics to see where we go next. If I move up in weight, I’ll need to think about where to go next. But we will definitely return in some form."
