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- What: WBO Super Lightweight Title Fight
- Who: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez
- Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
- When: Saturday, January 31 at 10:00 p.m. ET
Teofimo Lopez defends his WBO and lineal super lightweight titles against Shakur Stevenson on Saturday at Madison Square Garden. This is the fourth title defense for Lopez.
He won the title after defeating Josh Taylor in 2023. Lopez is a world champion in multiple weight classes and has defeated Vasily Lomachenko in addition to Taylor.
Stevenson aims to become a world champion in his fourth different weight class. He’s previously held titles at featherweight, super featherweight and lightweight. He recently defeated William Zepeda to add to his unbeaten record of 24-0.
According to the numbers, Stevenson is the best defensive fighter in the sport. While Lopez often matches the level of his opponents, he’ll need to be at his absolute best against Stevenson.
Both elite 28-year-old fighters now face the toughest tests of their careers. A win would help them silence any lingering doubts and move closer to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings.
Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez
| Winner |  |  |  |
| Shakur Stevenson | -325 | -330 | -350 |
| Teofimo Lopez | +240 | +240 | +250 |
Despite being favored, Stevenson is not a fan favorite. He has been booed for his fight strategy in the past. His defensive-led strategy leads him to fight but not take many chances. His 2023 fight with Edwin De Los Santos was a difficult watch.
During a 2024 fight with Artem Harutyunyan in New Jersey, fans left early. Not a good sign when this fight was in Stevenson’s hometown! That being said, Stevenson bounced back with a strong outing against Zepeda.
This fight presents a fascinating clash of styles. Lopez does his best work when he can keep opponents in front of him. He struggles when he has to chase fighters around the ring. Stevenson will use his jab to reset the center of the ring.
What will prove to be the difference between Teo and Shakur on Fight Night?! 👀🍿
🎟️ Buy RING 6 NOW HERE –> https://t.co/FoiaUucafv#RING6 | Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson | Jan 31 | Exclusively on DAZN | @RingMagazine 🔉 pic.twitter.com/6NDLlmLgex
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) January 26, 2026
Stevenson is a defensive-minded southpaw. He needs to avoid getting dragged into toe-to-toe exchanges with Lopez.
Both fighters are constantly looking to set up counterpunches and catch their opponents off guard. Lopez can collapse distance quickly and win rounds, while Stevenson has never been knocked down in a fight.
Lopez’s best shot is if he can bait Stevenson into a couple of exchanges in the middle of the ring. If he’s chasing Stevenson around the ring the entire fight, Stevenson will win.
I don’t think Stevenson takes the bait. I don’t think Stevenson gives Lopez many chances to land jabs or hooks. Stevenson displayed his elusiveness in a fantastic performance against Zepeda last year.
I believe he builds on that and adds another impressive accolade to his career.
Take Stevenson to win at -325 at BetOnline.
Total Rounds
Oddsmakers are expecting this fight to go the distance.
| Total Rounds | | | |
| Over 10.5 | -800 | -800 | -850 |
| Under 10.5 | +483 | +500 | +550 |
Over 10.5 rounds is priced at -800 and up. That’s an implied probability of nearly 90%!
Both fighters are comfortable setting terms rather than reacting. This makes a knockout very unlikely. Neither fighter has shown a tendency toward reckless exchanges.
Stevenson has never been stopped in his career. Lopez has 13 knockouts in 23 fights but hasn’t had a stoppage since 2022. Neither fighter relies on volume or power punches.
Shakur Stevenson and Teofimo Lopez are both top of the @ringmagazine rankings in their respective divisions 📊
Can Shakur move up and take the 140 lbs crown? 👑 pic.twitter.com/yULL6oz8jg
— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) January 27, 2026
For Stevenson to win, he will need to frustrate Lopez. He will need to execute his defensive strategy and land the occasional jab. Lopez has nicknamed Stevenson “The Roadrunner,” suggesting what he thinks of his fight style.
Although this is Stevenson’s first fight at 140 pounds, he is a much cleaner boxer, and I don’t believe he will give Lopez any chances to end this fight early.
Over 10.5 Rounds at -800 odds is the pick.
Sports Betting Sites 