Shakur Stevenson has declared that a decisive victory over Teofimo Lopez this Saturday night would firmly establish him among the absolute elite of world boxing. The undefeated three-weight world champion faces Lopez in a highly anticipated showdown at New York's iconic Madison Square Garden, a bout carrying significant implications for the sport's prestigious pound-for-pound debate.
A Pathway to Pound-for-Pound Recognition
Stevenson, who could become a four-division titleholder with a win, told Daily Mail Sport this week that triumph over Lopez must elevate his standing. 'You've got to put me in the top five if I beat Teo,' Stevenson asserted. 'There's some tremendous fighters there. Since Bud [Terence Crawford] retired, you might even put me top four. So yeah, I deserve it, but the job is not done yet. I'm fully focused on the task, and I can't wait.'
Embracing Criticism and Defining Greatness
The American fighter has long divided opinion with a technical style built on meticulous distance control, elite defence, and surgical precision rather than seeking dramatic knockouts. He acknowledges that criticism is an inevitable companion to success at the highest level.
'They're good with what they're doing. I don't really have no problem with it,' he said of his detractors. 'Every great fighter is going to be hated. If you watched Floyd Mayweather his entire career, he was hated and now that it's over, they still hate him. I've seen it with Crawford, with a lot of fighters. I'm not new to this game. I appreciate the hate. It keeps me going and keeps me motivated.'
The 'Sweet Science' Versus Casual Demand
In a modern boxing era where highlight-reel stoppages are often valued over subtle technical mastery, Stevenson argues that much of the audience has lost appreciation for what he terms 'the sweet science.'
'The casuals just want blood,' he observed. 'But the people who really study the sport, they sit down and watch it, they understand the sweet science is one of the best things to have. And truthfully, when my career is over, I want to be able to have great conversations with my daughter. I want to be able to talk to her and my future kids. It's about protecting yourself in the ring. Taking punishment is never cool. That's something I'll teach all the young fighters coming behind me.'
Confidence in Offensive Prowess
While his defensive genius is widely recognised, Stevenson believes his offensive capabilities—particularly his skill in close-quarters combat—are consistently and unfairly overlooked.
'I realise it's so many casuals entering boxing, they're not really paying attention,' he explained. 'If I go back and watch my fights, I'm one of the best in-the-pocket fighters in boxing. I can stand right there, make you miss and still beat you. When I hear the narratives, I don't understand it. Most of my fights are right there in front of guys.'
Obsessive Preparation and Mentorship
This self-assurance is founded upon an obsessive approach to preparation. Stevenson revealed that studying fight tape remains a cornerstone of his career, even if he has moderated his habits slightly.
'I used to be worse, I used to sit there and watch boxing for so many hours,' he admitted. 'Now I'm not as bad, but I still have to watch, see what I'm doing wrong, see what other fighters are doing, what their best attributes are. I like watching fighters like Crawford because he's similar to me in the boxing aspect. I pick things up from Crawford, Floyd, Pernell, Andre Ward — so many different things.'
The presence of Terence Crawford in Stevenson's training camp has become a notable subplot, especially after Lopez suggested it indicated a lack of independence. Stevenson dismissed this claim.
'He does that because he's jealous,' Stevenson said of Lopez. 'That's why this fight is very important, and I'm going to enjoy it. When you've got somebody that's jealous of you and been hating you all these years, it makes it fun to go in there. But Terrence, that's my big brother. He's been helping me throughout the years, and I appreciate him. That's my dog.'
Dismissing Lopez's Mind Games
Lopez has publicly stated his intention to 'mentally break' Stevenson during the contest. Stevenson was unequivocal in his response to such psychological warfare.
'I think he's just trying to tell himself things to big himself up and make himself feel better,' he countered. 'I think he knows I'm the truth. And if he don't, he'll find out on Saturday.'
He was similarly dismissive of Lopez's recent remarks about being willing to accept 'accidental openings' during the fight.
'I think he thinks he's smarter than what he is,' Stevenson said. 'He's not talking about accidental openings. I don't know what he's saying. We'll see where he's at on fight night.'
Accusations of Theatrics and a Focus on Newark
Stevenson also accused his opponent of employing theatrical tactics to sway the judges' scoring.
'If you watch his fights, he'll get hit with certain shots and then start dancing, trying to be entertaining,' he alleged. 'The judges see that moment like he won the exchange. But with judging and all that, all I've got to do is focus on my job. My focus is making sure I do what I'm supposed to do and come out victorious.'
Beyond the bright lights of the ring, Stevenson maintains strong ties to his roots. He confirmed he has purchased a substantial block of tickets to bring children from his hometown of Newark, New Jersey, to the fight—a gesture he has made before without seeking publicity.
'It means everything to me,' Stevenson emphasised. 'Those kids come from the same circumstances I come from. I'm from the trenches. I'm from dirty Newark. I want them to see it's possible. I come from the same situation they come from, and look where I'm at. They can do the same. That's why I get them tickets and put them in those seats - to see somebody from where they're from doing it.'
On Saturday night, Shakur Stevenson will aim to demonstrate that his methodical, cerebral approach can definitively overcome Teofimo Lopez's renowned explosiveness. He seeks to prove that true greatness, as he defines it, does not require volume or violence to be utterly decisive and historically significant.
