Andre Ward shares Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson prediction

“I don't think he can create on the fly”

Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KO’s) and Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KO’s) are set to meet on January 31, as the WBO and The Ring super lightweight champion, Lopez, defends against his undefeated adversary. 

The fight is scheduled to take place in New York City and will be available to stream live on DAZN pay-per-view. 

The fight has garnered huge levels of hype, as both men look to push onto bigger and better things.

Speaking ahead of the fight, Stevenson told DAZN that the clash is part of his path to achieve greatness within the sport. 

“This dude is in my way. I’m chasing greatness. You’re the guy, you fought kings, you’ve been the guy for years and years,” Stevenson said.

Fans are expecting a close battle, with many unable to split the pair. Former two-weight world champion Andre Ward agrees with the majority, revealing that he feels the showdown will be a closely fought affair. 

“I respect them both because Teo knows it’s going to be a real fight. Shakur knows it’s going to be a real fight,” Ward stated on All The Smoke Fight.

However, he went on to admit that Stevenson's ingenuity may just give him the upper hand when they eventually meet on January 31.

“I look at Shakur like a fighter who has a blank canvas. He’s got the IQ. He got the experience and the athleticism and the skill set where he can paint any type of picture he wants to on a blank canvas.

“When I look at Teofimo Lopez, he’s almost that. He has a blank canvas, but he needs an outline on what to draw and what to paint inside the lines.

“Every now and again, he’ll go away from the outline that he has and he’ll do something dope and you’ll be like, ‘Oh, that was cool.’

“I don’t think that he can create on the fly like a Shakur Stevenson does.

“What Shakur does have to deal with is explosive power, quick twitch muscles, and the type of punches that he likes to throw.”