Shakur Stevenson went at it with Teofimo Lopez on X, letting him know that his “time is up” as the WBO light welterweight champion. He plans on dethroning Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) in their possible fight during Riyadh Season in January 2026.
Teo Unleashes the Dogs
Teofimo unleashed the dogs early today, labeling Shakur “Mr. Sandman,” saying he’s going to put him “to sleep.” As far as the moniker, no lies were told.
Stevenson retaliated by pointing out that Lopez hasn’t knocked out anyone since he moved up to 140 in 2022. He’s actually wrong. Teofimo knocked out his first opponent at light welterweight, Pedro Campa, in the seventh round on August 13, 2022. He just hasn’t stopped anyone in his last five fights.
Shakur’s Foxhole Escape
Choosing to move up to 140 to challenge Teofimo for his WBO title is just a foxhole for Shakur to hide in. He’s got a hungry wolf at the door with 2020 Olympic gold medalist Andy Cruz, ranked as his #1 contender for his WBC lightweight belt. Moving up to fight Teo allows Stevenson to swerve Cruz. He’s going to have to face the talented Cuban when he comes back, unless he chooses to vacate.
The three-division world champion Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) is going to have to raise his game to defeat Teo, as he’s shown signs of slippage in his last four fights since 2023. People have been talking about the drop-off in performance from Stevenson over the past two years.
Is Stevenson on the Decline?
Some believe that he’s past his prime at 28, as he shows signs of deteriorating reflexes. Fighters who depend on their speed tend to go downhill rapidly beginning in their late 20s. Shakur did not look good in any of these fights at 135:
- William Zepeda
- Josh Padley
- Artem Harutyunyan
- Edwin De Los Santos
U stopped 0 people at 140 now you’re gone put me to sleep? 😂 Teafima your time is up I hope you enjoyed ya run.. #4DivisionChampOTW https://t.co/D3GM0hcFRR
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) October 14, 2025
DESTINY CALLING I CAN FEEL IT.. #4DivisionChamp
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) October 14, 2025
@ShakurStevenson, WELP! https://t.co/1eQJd7Gsvu pic.twitter.com/An14MhDbjj
— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) October 14, 2025
Written by Nation Vegas, Boxing Analyst covering world title fights since 2013.
Last Updated on 10/14/2025
Read the full article here