Lopez vs Stevenson: Everything We Know So Far

As the new year begins its ascent into more sporting events, the boxing world is preparing for a matchup that could echo in our collective minds for years to come. On December 1, 2024, after months of speculation, Turki Alalshikh announced that lightweight star Teofimo Lopez and super-lightweight standout Shakur Stevenson would finally fight it out in the ring.

This announcement instantly set social media buzzing and it kind of shows us how modern boxing spectacles are now much more inclusive for fans. We now see fights that unfold across fully connected sports-entertainment landscapes with live broadcasts, digital platforms, and real-time fan interaction all improving how fans consume boxing.

But behind the scenes, sponsorship keeps pouring in from wider online entertainment industries which include some of the best mobile casino platforms. These brands sponsor the events, while also bringing their offerings to a global audience. This expanding commercial spotlight only adds to the scale of anticipation surrounding fights of this magnitude.

So what can we expect from a match like this? What facts have already been confirmed? And when can fans finally tune in to see these two elite technicians go head to head?

Confirmed: Date, Venue and Broadcast

As it stands, the promoters of the Lopez vs Stevenson matchup have confirmed that the fight is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. The 19500 capacity venue is set to showcase the matchup and the fight would take place on Ring 6.

Broadcast channel, DAZN has been given the right to showcase the match to the public and would be available via DAZN pay per view. We have also seen an increase in ticket sales, and this just points to the fact that the viewership would be through the roof. The promoters have also been doing their job and already it’s looking like a top tier showcase.

The Fighters

So what is the background info on the fighters and what can we expect?

Toefimo Lopez

For Lopez, his name is one that has been on the lips of enthusiasts since he broke into the boxing scene with his electrifying style of fighting. The Brooklyn fighter further cemented his place on the world stage when he won against Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020 in a match he was pitted to lose. But his impressive record of 22-1 (13 KOs) shows that he’s not a pushover.

Since then, Lopez has moved to the super lightweight division and has gone on to win the WBO title for the category. But what makes him a standout is his explosive hand speed, sharp combos and aggressive pressure. He fights with an instinctive force that is often unpredictable and this makes him more of a threat to any opponent.

Shakur Stevenson

Stevenson enters this match with a record that is sure to rattle the very bones of Lopez, as he boasts of an undefeated win record (24-0) with 11 KOs. With an acclaim that goes before him as one of the most defensively gifted boxers of his time, he’s sure to put up a tough nut for Lopez to crack.

The New Jersey born fighter has held the WBC championship in three weight categories since 2023, a feat that is undeniably impressive. However, in this fight, he would be moving up to fight Lopez in a strategic tussle that would take his career to the next level and make him a multi-division champion. In an interview with DAZN, Stevenson had this to say about his matchup with Lopez, “I can't get the other fighters to get in the ring.”

Clash of Styles: Power vs Precision

We have to admit that what makes this matchup a really intriguing one is the fact that both Lopez and Stevenson would be coming into the fight with contrasting styles.

Lopez is more a fighter that thrives off pressure, finds a way to disrupt the opponent's rhythm before introducing brute force and an explosive offence.

Stevenson is more of a defensive fighter who relies on timing and letting his opponent commit before sending in his lethal punches.

This difference in fight style is what would elevate this fight and give the fans a lot of moments to cheer and enjoy. However if Lopez can cut off the ring and land his blows early, the match could end in a couple of rounds. However, if Stevenson maintains his strategy and draws the match into a longdrawn battle, then he could edge the fight and win with a tactical victory.

Bookmakers and pundits are skeptical as to the result of the fight with most believing it would be a close fight.

But for former Welterweight champion, Shawn Porter, he believes that “…it’s going to be a great fight. But at the moment, I’d say 60-40 for Shakur.”

However, one thing we can expect is that it would be a matchup worthy of the hype.

Final Thoughts

With the date and venue already locked in, the anticipation is building in the boxing world. The world is looking forward to a match that would shape how 2026 kickstarts. But one thing we are sure of is that one champion is going to fall on that ring in New York, and we can only speculate how the whole event would unfold.