Teofimo Lopez reveals that negotiations are underway with Shakur Stevenson for seismic 2026 clash

Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson set for 2026

A fight between Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KO’s) and Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KO’s) has long been rumoured, but as things stand, nothing is yet materialising.

If the pair were to meet, it's unclear what weight class the bout would happen at. Lopez currently sits as the WBO superlightweight strap holder, while the lighter Stevenson lays claim to the WBC lightweight throne.

However, during an appearance on The Last Stand podcast, Lopez suggested the two American superstars will meet in the near future.

“You know, the whole thing is we talk what we talk, but now it’s time to back up what we talk. And yes, we’re looking forward to facing Shakur Stevenson early 2026,” Lopez revealed.

“Definitely looking [forward] and excited for it. Neither one of us has gotten to the point of signing the dotted line, we’re still in negotiations. 

“But there are paperwork tossing back and forth and soon enough the fight fans and everyone around the world will see us having a fight deal.”

The 28-year-old stressed that nothing is yet concrete, even revealing that a venue for the fight is yet to be proposed, but with Turki Alalshikh at the helm, it's sure to be a seismic night of boxing.

“I’d say this is just a good fight period, regardless of where it’s at. But being that it’s going to be supported by [Alalshikh] it could be anywhere. It could be Saudi, it could be UK, it could be New York, it could be Vegas,” he said.

“One of those four locations definitely could be the one…Everybody stay tuned. I promise you guys all that this is the next fight.”

The American continued, revealing that he intends to use his size against his smaller countryman, and admitted that Stevenson's technical ability could very well cause problems.

“How I see this fight being played out is with me pretty much just setting that momentum, for the people out there as well,” he stated.

“You know, not really trying to force for it however I can’t make it too technical with Shakur, I got to make it a little ugly. You do, you got to make it a little ugly. If you try to be too technical with Shakur it could be a long, too long of a waited chess match.

Though he did go on to reveal that he feels the lightweight champion is perhaps overhyped, tearing into his defensive capabilities.

“For me, I don’t see Shakur as having the best defense in boxing, however others can attest to that. I just can’t wait to show the flaws that I really see in Shakur Stevenson and really putting that to the test when that time comes.”

“Shakur’s slow. He’s slow. I seen him at lightweight, I seen only highlights of his last fight with Zepeda and he’s slow…There’s nothing more to it than that.”