While a formal announcement for a January 31 140 lb title defense between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson was announced last week, the specifics around the venue had not been disclosed. ESPN is now
reporting that the fight will take place at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
The site will have both fighters competing close to home, with Lopez being a native New Yorker while Stevenson is from nearby Newark, NJ. Lopez, of course, had his last fight in Times Square in a novelty event, while Stevenson last fought in Queens. Needless to say, we’ll have a more traditional venue this time around.
In the fight Lopez will look to successfully defend his WBO super lightweight world title with Stevenson moving up for both the title opportunity and a chance to get a marquee fight against a big name — which will hopefully help boost his drawing power and standing in the sport.
