Legends have been made under the lights at Madison Square Garden, and Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson are hoping this is their night to add another chapter. The two meet at MSG with the WBO and The Ring super lightweight titles on the line, in a marquee matchup streaming live on DAZN.
Lopez (22-1) knows the Garden better than most. He’s experienced the highest highs in New York — and the sting of his 2021 upset loss to George Kambosos Jr. In the Theater at MSG. Since then, he’s rebounded with six straight wins and returns to headline the venue again.
Stevenson (24-0) arrives unbeaten and battle-tested from headlining cards in his hometown of Newark. The Olympic silver medalist and three-division champion is now chasing a new milestone: stepping up to 140 pounds with a chance to leave New York with another belt — and a statement win.
The fight isn’t just personal because they were former sparring partners. It’s about bragging rights and respect.
"I don’t see Shakur as what everybody else sees,” Lopez told BroBible. “I’ll tell you the same thing I didn’t see with Josh Taylor, same thing I didn’t see with Lomachenko, Richard Commey. I just don’t see that. I guess I have a different perspective and look into the sport of boxing than others. I can’t wait to show everyone the fraud that he really is."
“This is my moment. I've been waiting for this moment for years and years. I finally got the opportunity to show who I am,” Stevenson said via The Ring. “Teofimo will bring the best out of me. I know what I can do. I know what he can do. I just have to up the level.”
Speed vs. Power, technique vs. Chaos. Here’s what matters most in Lopez vs. Stevenson — plus our expert pick for how the 2026 fight unfolds.
Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson prediction
The generational fight features two unique styles. It may be the ultimate chess match.
Lopez is a brilliant boxer-puncher who can connect whenever there’s an opening. Against Josh Taylor, Lopez landed 158 of 517 shots (30.6%) compared to 82 of 341 (24%) shots for "The Tartan Tornado.” He landed 126 of 571 punches against Arnold Barboza Jr., with the latter landing 70 of 424.
If Lopez does have a weakness, it's consistency, which, at times, has been lacking. He can lose his confidence easily, resulting in him second-guessing his skills.
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It has been said before: There are moments where Stevenson has shown signs of brilliance. However, there are moments where he can be one of the most frustrating fighters out there.
Stevenson landed 189 of 580 shots (32.6%) against Oscar Valdez and 123 of 245 shots (50%) against Shuichiro Yoshino. Among active fighters, Stevenson ranks first in +/- (20.2), with a total connect percentage of 36.9%. He does rank third with the fewest total punches thrown per round (40.9).
Against Artem Harutyunyan, Stevenson took his foot off the gas multiple times. His style, dubbed "Tom and Jerry," has been criticized. On the other side of things, he landed 295 of 565 shots (52.2%) against William Zepeda, the highest mark of his career.
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Which style will stand tall? Which fighter will show up on fight night?
Stevenson's opponents land the ninth-fewest punches per round (7.1). If he engages, he has proven he can back it up. But is the surgical fighter ready for someone as unorthodox as Lopez, who can push you back or take you out with one shot?
Lopez will need to go out there and make Stevenson uncomfortable, a tough task for most. Stevenson can tire out and frustrate Lopez by moving around the ring while still keeping it close to the vest.
Something has got to give here. We believe Lopez will be the aggressor, forcing Stevenson to battle back. The fight will go the distance, with Lopez standing tall.