The upcoming junior welterweight clash this Saturday is much more than the usual pre-fight mind games and antics—it’s a prime example of what makes boxing captivating. Teofimo Lopez Jr. (22-1, 13 KOs) is set to defend his WBO 140-pound title against undefeated three-division champion Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) at a sold-out Madison Square Garden in New York. This highly anticipated showdown, featured as the main event on DAZN PPV at 6 p.m. ET, is part of the eagerly viewed “Ring 6” card, showcasing two of the top ten pound-for-pound fighters globally, who paradoxically share mutual respect despite their rivalry.
Lopez, 28, born in Brooklyn but based in Las Vegas, took a playful yet provocative approach during Thursday’s final press conference, mocking Stevenson in an attempt to unnerve him mentally. This psychological warfare aligns with Lopez’s history of using mind games to frame himself as erratic or unfocused, only to spring surprises in the ring—a strategy that has marked his career, especially when starting as an underdog. While his record is impressive, Lopez’s performance can be unstable, particularly against opponents beneath his caliber. However, his capacity to deliver peak performances against elite fighters like Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020 and Josh Taylor in 2023 highlights his threat as a quick, counter-punching athlete.
In a rare moment of sincerity, Lopez praised the impact of adding new trainer Stacey McKinley, who assists his father in the corner. “This time around, we’ve cut out media distractions to focus fully on training. It’s been tougher but invigorating,” said Lopez, expressing readiness to demonstrate their improvements on fight night.
Stevenson, also 28 and originally from the Newark area but now fighting out of Houston, responded directly to Lopez’s provocations. A comment that seemed to insult Stevenson’s mother briefly escalated, nearly sparking a physical altercation on stage. Stevenson emphasized that this fight is strictly professional and business-driven, dismissing personal grudges. Interestingly, Stevenson’s camp alleged seeing an intoxicated Lopez at the hotel the previous night and brought a bottle of alcohol as a sarcastic gift for Lopez’s absent father.
Stevenson acknowledged, “It’s all business. I’m completely focused and ready to face Lopez Saturday night.” Confidently, he urged fans to watch, promising, “I’m going to beat this guy.”
Despite his Olympic silver medal in Rio 2016 and holding a world title between 126 and 135 pounds, Stevenson has faced criticism for inconsistent performances. That narrative shifted last July when he secured a thrilling decision victory over undefeated William Zepeda. The winner of this bout is expected to break into the top five of the crowded pound-for-pound rankings and gain leverage for major upcoming matchups across the 135 to 147-pound divisions.
Lopez expressed enthusiasm about the event, calling it a dream come true and encouraged fans to watch what promises to be a remarkable encounter.
The official fight odds from DraftKings Sportsbook list Stevenson as a -300 favorite over Lopez’s underdog +230. The event also features notable bouts like Keyshawn Davis (-700) vs. Jamaine Ortiz (+450) at junior welterweight, and Bruce Carrington (-800) defending his WBC featherweight title against Carlos Castro (+500).
This highly anticipated fight will be held at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, January 31, with kickoff at 6 p.m. ET, available on DAZN Pay-Per-View for $69.99.
Prediction-wise, Stevenson, a swift southpaw known for his speed, footwork, and boxing IQ, is favored, but the fight’s result is far from guaranteed. Stevenson’s skill set has bested significant opponents, but facing Lopez—who combines size, experience, and explosive athleticism—poses a unique challenge. Stevenson moves up four weight classes to face an unconventional, aggressive power puncher known for counter-attacks, which could make judging rounds tricky if Lopez limits Stevenson’s offensive activity.
This match promises to pit two of boxing’s most talented, physically gifted fighters against each other, reminiscent of Lopez’s 2020 upset over Lomachenko. Yet, unlike Lomachenko, Stevenson tends to throw higher volumes of punches early and adapts quickly, potentially giving him an edge.
Stevenson’s style aligns with the purest forms of boxing artistry, similar to legends like Floyd Mayweather, Andre Ward, and Terence Crawford. Lopez often struggles when abandoning his jab, an evident flaw against elite competition. Despite Lopez’s power, Stevenson’s skill and tactical awareness will likely protect him from danger and avoid costly exchanges. Both fighters elevate their level against top-tier opponents, but Stevenson’s skill set is considered more polished and complete.
Ultimately, the pick here is Stevenson winning by unanimous decision after 12 rounds.
Fan Take: This fight is a pivotal moment for both boxers and the junior welterweight division, with the winner poised to reshape the pound-for-pound landscape. For fight fans, it’s a thrilling clash of styles and personalities that could signal the emergence of the next boxing superstar and define the sport’s future at these weight classes.
