Teofimo Lopez Says ‘The Meat Is Still Marinating’ As Shakur Stevenson Negotiations Drag Into 2026

Teofimo Lopez revealed last night that “the meat” [Shakur Stevenson] is still marinating for their planned January 2026 mega-fight. It’s still going through the negotiation phase. He didn’t say what the holdup was, but it’s believed that the money and purse splits are the issue delaying the announcement.

Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) would be the B-side in the fight, as he’s not on the level popularity-wise as WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo (22-1, 13 KOs). The Newark, New Jersey native would also be moving up in weight from 135 to challenge Teo for his belt at 140, likely in New York, on his home turf at Madison Square Garden.

The Meat Still Marinating

“The meat is getting marinated in the fridge. Let it get marinated,” said Teofimo Lopez to Fighthype about his fight with Shakur Stevenson. “You got to stay tuned.

Lopez’s power advantage is going to be a nightmare for Stevenson, who has nothing to match him with. He’s coming off a grueling fight against William Zepeda on July 12, 2025, in Queens, New York, in which he was fortunate to get the decision. Zepeda had Shakur trapped against the ropes the entire fight, hitting him with nonstop body punches.

The judges gave it to Stevenson by a 12-round unanimous decision. It was far from being an easy fight. In the third, Zepeda dropped Stevenson with a right hand, but the referee didn’t count it. The knockdown was a clear one. The missed call showed what the Mexican warrior Zepeda was up against.

Shakur’s Brittle-Hand Excuse

Shakur’s brittle hands are the reason why the fight with Lopez is being pushed to 2026. He said on X that he would fight Teo now before the end of 2025, but he wants his hands to be “100%.”

Boxing fans aren’t buying the excuse, seeing it as Stevenson delaying to try to weasel a better cut of the take. Some see it as him hoping to stall the fight to increase the chances of Lopez losing his form from inactivity, waiting for his glass hands to heal finally.

The Wolves At 135

Many people see Shakur moving up in weight as a sneaky, spider-like way for him to dodge these hungry wolves that are at his door at 135, ready to snatch his WBC lightweight belt:

1. Andy Cruz
2. Floyd Schofield
3. Raymond Muratalla
4. Abdullah Mason
5. Sam Noakes