A fight between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson has yet to be officially signed, but signs continue to point towards the fight happening and here Lopez says it’s looking like early 2026 during this
conversation with Brian Custer. Check out some excerpts of what Lopez had to say below with the full video interview at the top!
Lopez on where things stand for a fight with Stevenson
“You know, the whole thing is we talk what we talk but now it’s time to back up what we talk. And yes, we’re looking forward to facing Shakur Stevenson early 2026. Definitely looking [forward] and excited for it. Neither one of us has gotten to the point of signing the dotted line, we’re still in negotiations. But there are paperwork tossing back and forth and soon enough the fight fans and everyone around the world will see us having a fight deal.”
On what location this fight is best suited for
“I’d say this is just a good fight period, regardless of where it’s at. But being that it’s going to be supported by [Alalshikh] it could be anywhere. It could be Saudi, it could be UK, it could be New York, it could be Vegas. One of those four locations definitely could be the one…Everybody stay tuned. I promise you guys all that this is the next fight.”
On what kind of style matchup he sees with Stevenson
“How I see this fight being played out is with me pretty much just setting that momentum, for the people out there as well. You know, not really trying to force for it however I can’t make it too technical with Shakur, I got to make it a little ugly. You do, you got to make it a little ugly. If you try to be too technical with Shakur it could be a long, too long of a waited chess match.
“For me, I don’t see Shakur as having the best defense in boxing, however others can attest to that. I just can’t wait to show the flaws that I really see in Shakur Stevenson and really putting that to the test when that time comes.”
On Stevenson saying he expects to showcase his power against Lopez
“Shakur’s slow. He’s slow. I seen him at lightweight, I seen only highlights of his last fight with Zepeda and he’s slow…There’s nothing more to it than that.”
