Social Media Sparks Teofimo Lopez–Shakur Stevenson Rivalry; Fight Eyed for Early 2026

An increasingly heated social-media exchange between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson has reignited talks of one of boxing’s most anticipated matchups. Both fighters have openly called each other out online in the past few days, setting the stage for a showdown that could be officially announced as soon as early January 2026 in the United States

The Online Exchange

Lopez lit the fuse on social media, taunting Stevenson and calling him a “lil dude,” before declaring that making Stevenson “cry” would set up a fight with Ryan Garcia next. Stevenson, seeking to keep the focus on Lopez, shot back: “Stop talking to other people. I’m right here, p***y. Make it happen”. In a later press conference, Stevenson even cracked a lighthearted line: “If I smack you [at the press conference], I’m wrong”.

Timing and Stakes

Sources suggest the fight is in serious negotiation and planned for early 2026 in the U.S., under the lightweight limit of 135 pounds. With both athletes in their late 20s—prime years for peak performance—it promises to be a clash of speed, skill, and boxing IQ.

Stevenson defends his WBC lightweight title, while Lopez, a former unified champion at lightweight and current WBO junior welterweight titleholder, is looking for a return to the 135-lb division. The fight would also be an event to finally settle the long-standing debate about who reigns supreme in boxing’s stacked lightweight landscape.

Expert Insight

Two-division world champion Tim Bradley weighed in, praising the stylistic contrast: Lopez’s creativity and unpredictability versus Stevenson’s precision and timing. Bradley sided with Stevenson, citing his discipline and in-ring IQ as the deciding factor