Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) and Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) will meet on Jan. 31 in New York in a junior welterweight showdown between two of the most important American stars in boxing. The venue remains to be to be determined, however the bout will headline “The Ring 6” card in New York Metropolis and be streamed on DAZN.
Lopez will put his WBO and Ring junior welterweight titles on the road in opposition to the undefeated Stevenson, who will transfer as much as 140 kilos for the primary time in his profession.
Stevenson is the WBC world light-weight champion and the No. 8 fighter in CBS Sports activities’ pound-for-pound rankings, and can look to show his mettle by leaping up a weight class to tackle Lopez. Stevenson most just lately defended his 135-pound title in a lopsided unanimous choice victory over William Zepeda Segura in July.
“I’ve by no means shied away from a problem and at all times chased the most important fights within the sport as a result of I do know I’m the most effective boxers on this planet,” Stevenson mentioned in a launch. “Teofimo Lopez will be taught that firsthand on January 31 after I take his belt and present him that there are ranges to this sport. New York, prepare for a spectacular efficiency as I take over a fourth straight weight division.”
Lopez, in the meantime, has received his final six fights, defending his junior welterweight titles for a fourth time in opposition to Arnold Barboza Jr. in a unanimous choice victory again in Might.
“Duck, Duck, Goose! Are you prepared for New York Metropolis?,” Lopez mentioned. “Brick metropolis within the concrete jungle, so let’s get able to rumble! The Takeover is right here to remain, not play. Make Boxing Nice Once more is my forte. Shakur will fall in 9.”
Each fighters needs to be recent having most just lately fought this summer time, and may have loads of help in New York Metropolis. Lopez, a Brooklyn native, has fought quite a few occasions in his hometown, whereas Stevenson is from simply throughout the river in Newark and made his final title protection in Queens.
