Teofimo Lopez opens the 2026 boxing calendar with a true super fight. He defends his light-welterweight title against WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson. The duo headline a DAZN-streamed Ring VI card in New York. Since becoming the WBO and Ring light-welterweight champion two years ago, Lopez had been on a relentless campaign. He chased and called out one big name after another.

Title defenses against Jamaine Ortiz and Steve Claggett only made matters worse. Many slammed Lopez for fighting weaker opponents. The win over Arnold Barboza Jr. on the May 2 Fatal Fury salvaged his sinking reputation. Still, not wanting to lose momentum, he sought an opponent who could elevate his legacy to unmatched heights. Interestingly, given Teofimo Lopez finally secured the star matchup he l

See Full Page