Teofimo Lopez Jr. vs Shakur Stevenson — Live Updates, Results, and Analysis
Teofimo Lopez Jr. vs Shakur Stevenson — Live Updates, Results, and Analysis
What many boxing fans hoped would be one of the biggest American fight nights of 2026 delivered drama, high-level skill, and a decisive result. On January 31, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Teofimo Lopez Jr. and Shakur Stevenson faced off in a blockbuster super-lightweight (140 lb) title fight — a bout that pitted Lopez’s raw power and title reign against Stevenson’s technical brilliance and undefeated record.
Below is the story of the fight night — from build-up and undercard to the final bell and its broader impact.
🥊 Fight Night Setup: A Clash of Styles
The stage was set at boxing’s most famous venue — Madison Square Garden, a historic building that has hosted countless iconic moments in sport and entertainment. The bout was the headliner of the event billed as “The Ring VI,” co-promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Top Rank, and broadcast globally on DAZN pay-per-view.
What Was at Stake
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Teofimo Lopez Jr. (22-1, 13 KOs): Reigning WBO super-lightweight champion and holder of The Ring title. This was his fourth defence of the belt he won against Josh Taylor in 2023.
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Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs): Undefeated world champion moving up in weight from lightweight. Stevenson was aiming to become a four-division world champion — a rare and elite career achievement.
The matchup was tantalizing for boxing purists because it brought together contrasting skill sets: Lopez’s aggression and one-punch power versus Stevenson’s slick footwork, jab, and ring IQ.
📺 How Fans Could Watch
Whether in the Garden or from home, millions tuned in for what was expected to be a generational bout. The event was available via DAZN pay-per-view in the U.S. and internationally, with live streaming options through the DAZN app.
The full card featured not only the Lopez-Stevenson bout but also thrilling undercard action, including:
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Keyshawn Davis vs Jemaine Ortiz (super-lightweight)
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Bruce Carrington vs Carlos Castro (featherweight)
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Jarrell Miller vs Kingsley Ibeh (heavyweight), among others.
🥊 Round-by-Round Fight Narrative
From the opening bell, it was clear that Stevenson intended to impose his boxing IQ, using movement and the jab to control distance and frustrate Lopez. Coverage from round-by-round live updates painted a picture of a skilled southpaw in command:
Round 1:
Stevenson established the jab early, landing sharp counters as Lopez sought to connect with power. Lopez pressed forward, but Stevenson’s timing and defense kept the champion just out of reach.
Rounds 2–4:
Stevenson continued to dictate the pace with quick jab combinations and lateral movement. Lopez showed aggression but struggled to get inside consistently without eating counters. Stevenson’s efficiency and accuracy were notable.
Mid-Fight Rounds:
By the middle rounds, Stevenson had built a clear leads on the unofficial live scoring, repeatedly scoring on frequent jabs and clean combinations. Although Lopez showed flashes of aggression, he could not meaningfully slow Stevenson’s rhythm.
Later Rounds:
Lopez’s corner encouraged more body work and aggression, but Stevenson's defense and footwork remained a persistent obstacle. The challenger’s repeated jab and countering took their toll.
The narrative was consistent across multiple round summaries: Stevenson’s skill set was simply one notch above Lopez’s attempts to force offense.
🏆 The Verdict: Stevenson Dominates
When the final bell rang after 12 action-packed rounds, all three judges delivered wide unanimous decision scores of 119-109 in favor of Shakur Stevenson — a commanding victory.
Stevenson’s unanimous decision not only dethroned Lopez for the WBO super-lightweight title but also marked a historic achievement: he became a four-division world champion, one of the elite accomplishments in modern boxing.
Multiple outlets characterized Stevenson's performance as a “masterclass,” noting his superior control of distance, precision timing, and effective jab throughout the fight. Lopez, now 22-2, was unable to find a consistent offensive rhythm or break through Stevenson’s defensive strategy.
🔥 Key Takeaways from the Fight
🥇 Stevenson’s Skill Set Prevails
Shakur Stevenson’s win wasn’t just about the decision — it was about the manner in which he handled Lopez. From the opening rounds, he showcased:
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Superior jab and timing
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Effective distance management
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Defensive poise and countering accuracy
Stevenson’s performance solidified his place among the sport’s elite and pushed him into conversations about the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
🥊 Lopez’s Legacy
Despite the loss, Lopez remains a high-profile figure in boxing. His aggressive style and power have earned him fans worldwide, and his experience in big fights continues to make him an attractive draw on major cards. However, this defeat will likely prompt reassessment about strategy and future fight plans.
📈 Undercard Highlights
Beyond the main event, the undercard delivered notable action:
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Keyshawn Davis rebounded with a late TKO victory over Jamaine Ortiz.
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Bruce Carrington captured the vacant WBC featherweight title with a ninth-round knockout.
Combined, these results helped make the night a memorable showcase of both rising and established talent.
🧨 Drama Outside the Ring
Fight week wasn’t without controversy. During the official weigh-ins, social media was flooded with video clips of an altercation between fighters and entourages, which prompted Madison Square Garden officials to issue a warning that anyone engaging in disruptive conduct at the venue would face a lifetime ban.
Additionally, a separate heated confrontation between British welterweight Conor Benn and rival Rolly Romero in the crowd added extra drama around fight night — even though neither was involved in the main event.
These moments underlined how charged the atmosphere was throughout the week leading up to the event.
🥊 What Comes Next?
For Stevenson
Shakur Stevenson’s victory opens the door to even bigger fights. After becoming a four-division champion, he openly called out Conor Benn, suggesting a major future showdown could be his next challenge.
This win also expands Stevenson’s legacy and could cement his status among all-time greats if he continues to win at the highest levels.
For Lopez
Now removed from the title picture at 140 lbs, Lopez will likely reassess his path forward. Possible options include rematches, moving back down in weight, or taking another high-profile fight that rebuilds momentum.
🥊 Final Thoughts
What was billed as one of the most anticipated fights of the young year did not disappoint. Shakur Stevenson’s tactical brilliance and precision proved decisive over Teofimo Lopez’s brute force and aggression, culminating in a wide unanimous decision that reshapes the junior welterweight landscape.
Stevenson’s achievement — becoming a four-division world champion — places him in an elite class, while Lopez, though bested, remains a prominent and exciting boxer whose next steps will be closely watched.
Boxing fans worldwide will no doubt be buzzing about this fight for weeks, as social media erupts with reactions, pundit analysis, and speculation about the next big matchups in the sport.
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