Stevenson Captures Lopez’s Title, Becomes Four-Division Champion
Shakur Stevenson achieved a historic victory on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He defeated Teofimo Lopez in a dominating performance, capturing the WBO junior welterweight title. Stevenson’s unanimous decision win occurred with all three judges scoring the fight 119-109.
Stevenson’s Rise to Four-Division Champion
With this win, Stevenson not only secured the title but also became the fastest fighter in history to earn championship status across four divisions. His record now stands at 25 wins without a loss, including 11 knockouts.
Stevenson, 28, expressed his confidence post-fight, stating, “I picked him apart and did what I was supposed to do.” Despite being an Olympic silver medalist and a three-division champion, he felt he had been overlooked compared to peers like Ryan Garcia and Devin Haney.
Fight Overview
- Opponent: Teofimo Lopez (22-2, 18 KOs)
- Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City
- Date: February 1, 2026
- Judges’ Scores: 119-109 (All three judges)
- Punch Statistics:
- Stevenson: 165 out of 372 punches (44%)
- Lopez: 72 out of 468 punches (15%)
Before the bout, Lopez, the lineal junior welterweight champion, was confident he could break through Stevenson’s renowned defense. However, throughout the match, Lopez struggled to deliver significant offense against Stevenson, who showcased superior skill and strategy.
Technical Mastery and Strategy
Stevenson utilized a powerful jab and sharp reflexes to maintain control from the start. Instead of maneuvering around the ring, he positioned himself in the center, effectively dismantling Lopez’s approach. His performance left Lopez’s father and trainer searching for solutions as they watched their son fall behind.
After six rounds, Lopez had been outlanded 78-23, and despite remaining tenacious, he could not find a way to connect with Stevenson consistently. By the end of the fight, Lopez acknowledged his defeat, stating, “Every dog has his day. So congratulations to Shakur.”
Future Challenges for Stevenson
In the wake of his victory, Stevenson expressed a desire for more challenges, specifically mentioning a potential fight with Conor Benn, who most recently competed at 160 pounds. As Stevenson continues to compete at 140 pounds, he shows no signs of backing down from taking risks in pursuit of being recognized as the top fighter in the world.
