American boxing has received a significant and much-needed marquee match-up, with the official confirmation that Teofimo Lopez will defend his WBO super-lightweight title against Shakur Stevenson on Friday, 31 January.
A Clash of American Talents
The long-rumoured bout was finally announced on Monday, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated all-US fights in recent years. Both fighters, aged 28, are widely regarded as among the brightest talents in the sport, though each has faced questions over consistency in their performances.
Stevenson, the unbeaten challenger with a record of 24-0 (11 KOs), will move up in weight to challenge Lopez at 147lbs. Already a three-weight world champion, Stevenson aims to secure a world title in a fourth consecutive division. Lopez, the champion, holds a record of 22-1 (13 KOs) and has been the WBO super-lightweight titleholder since 2023.
Venue and Recent Form
The fight will take place in New York City, with a specific venue yet to be confirmed. Madison Square Garden is considered the frontrunner, as Brooklyn’s Barclays Center is already booked for an event on the same date.
Lopez last fought in May, delivering a masterclass to outpoint Arnold Barboza Jr and retain his belt in Times Square. Stevenson's most recent outing was a decision victory over William Zepeda in July at New York’s Louis Armstrong tennis stadium, where he retained his WBC lightweight title.
A Boost for the US Boxing Scene
This fight arrives at a critical time for American boxing, where top domestic stars have frequently failed to face each other. The most recent high-profile example, Ryan Garcia vs Devin Haney in 2024, was ultimately overshadowed by Garcia's failed weigh-in and a positive drug test, resulting in a no-contest.
In the official announcement, Stevenson declared his intent: "I have never shied away from a challenge and always chased the biggest fights in the sport... Teofimo Lopez will learn that firsthand on 31 January, when I take his belt." Lopez, for his part, boasts notable victories over Vasyl Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, with his sole defeat coming against George Kambosos Jr in 2021.
The event will be promoted by Matchroom Boxing and stream live exclusively on DAZN, under the presentation of The Ring magazine. The confirmation follows a statement from Saudi adviser Turki Alalshikh last week, who denied reports of a slowdown in the Gulf state's boxing investment.
