Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson Title Showdown Nearing Confirmation for Early 2026

As 2025 enters its final quarter, boxing fans may not have to wait long for confirmation of the first major fight of 2026. Talks are reportedly in the final stages for a blockbuster clash between WBO super-lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez and undefeated three-division world champion Shakur Stevenson.

Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) has held the WBO 140-pound title since dethroning Josh Taylor in 2023 and has since made successful defenses against Jamaine Ortiz, Steve Claggett, and Arnold Barboza Jr. The 28-year-old has long been considered one of the standout talents at super-lightweight and is now preparing for perhaps his biggest test yet.

Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs), the current WBC lightweight champion, is seeking to add a fourth world title in a fourth division to his resume. His anticipated move up in weight comes with high expectations, and a fight with Lopez would mark his debut at 140lbs in emphatic fashion.

While rumors of the matchup have circulated for months, they gained momentum following the recent Canelo-Crawford showdown. At the post-fight press conference, Terence Crawford—after his win over Canelo Alvarez—publicly urged Lopez to accept the fight with Stevenson.

Speaking with Boxing News, Lopez confirmed that an official announcement is imminent, with only the date left to finalize. “It will be made official very soon, up until he, everyone that is putting their money in and all the right people, find the right date,” Lopez said.

The New York native expects the bout to land in January and has promised to deliver a career-defining performance. “Tune in, I see myself really outclassing him and showing a different side that no one has ever seen,” Lopez declared.

“Yeah, I believe I’ll win inside the distance. I think that’s the only way to make a true statement—to his team, to Crawford, and to everyone else who supports Shakur Stevenson.”

Should Stevenson secure victory and remain at 140 pounds, it could create a ripple effect in the lightweight division. His WBC title at 135lbs would likely become vacant, potentially opening the door for top-ranked Cuban contender Andy Cruz (6-0, 3 KOs) to fight for the belt.

Cruz, who currently holds the WBC’s No. 1 contender position, would be expected to face Panama’s Ricardo Nunez (26-7, 22 KOs) for the vacant title—assuming Stevenson’s exit from the division is made official.