Teofimo Lopez Moves Up to Welterweight After Stevenson Loss

The former super-lightweight champion looks to rebound in a new weight class after recent setbacks.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:08am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, breaking down a boxing match between two figures into sharp, overlapping geometric planes of color, capturing the intensity and movement of the fight.Teofimo Lopez's move to welterweight presents a new chapter in his career, as he seeks to rebound from recent setbacks and challenge the division's top contenders.Los Angeles Today

Teofimo Lopez, the former super-lightweight world champion, has announced his intention to move up to the welterweight division following his defeat to Shakur Stevenson. The 28-year-old boxer faced a challenging night in the ring against the rising star, Stevenson, losing the title in a unanimous decision. Despite these setbacks, including losses to Sandor Martin and George Kambosos Jr., Lopez remains determined to bounce back and seek new opportunities in the welterweight division.

Why it matters

Lopez's decision to move up in weight class comes as a strategic move, as he has consistently made the 140-pound limit without apparent strain. This shift opens up new possibilities for the boxer, as the welterweight division features formidable opponents like Devin Haney, Lewis Crocker, Rolando Romero, and Mario Barrios. The boxing community is eagerly anticipating potential matchups, especially with Ryan Garcia's upcoming challenge for the WBC belt against Barrios.

The details

After his defeat to Stevenson, Lopez has announced his intention to move up to the welterweight division. This decision comes as a surprise, as Lopez has been a dominant force in the super-lightweight division, with impressive victories over Vasily Lomachenko and Josh Taylor. However, his recent losses to Sandor Martin and George Kambosos Jr. have raised questions about his ability to compete at the highest level.

  • Teofimo Lopez lost to Shakur Stevenson on April 8, 2026.
  • Lopez has announced his move to the welterweight division following his defeat to Stevenson.

The players

Teofimo Lopez

A 28-year-old boxer who was the former super-lightweight world champion, known for his impressive victories over Vasily Lomachenko and Josh Taylor. He has recently faced a series of setbacks, including losses to Sandor Martin and George Kambosos Jr.

Shakur Stevenson

A rising star in the boxing world, Stevenson defeated Teofimo Lopez in a unanimous decision to claim the super-lightweight world title.

Devin Haney

A welterweight boxer who is a potential opponent for Teofimo Lopez in his new weight class.

Lewis Crocker

A welterweight boxer who is a potential opponent for Teofimo Lopez in his new weight class.

Rolando Romero

A welterweight boxer who is a potential opponent for Teofimo Lopez in his new weight class.

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What they’re saying

“After my defeat to Shakur Stevenson, I know I need a new challenge. Moving up to welterweight is the next step in my career, and I'm excited to see what opportunities await me in this new division.”

— Teofimo Lopez, Boxer

“I'm confident that I can face Benn at 147 pounds. It's a fight the fans would love to see, and I'm ready to take on the challenge.”

— Shakur Stevenson, Boxer

What’s next

The boxing community is eagerly awaiting to see who Teofimo Lopez will face in his welterweight debut, as the division features several formidable opponents. Additionally, the potential matchup between Shakur Stevenson and Conor Benn at 147 pounds remains uncertain due to Stevenson's insistence on a 10-pound rehydration clause, which Benn has refused to accept.

The takeaway

Teofimo Lopez's decision to move up to the welterweight division after his defeat to Shakur Stevenson showcases his resilience and ambition. The boxing world will be closely watching to see if he can find success in this new weight class and potentially face off against top-tier opponents like Devin Haney, Lewis Crocker, Rolando Romero, and Mario Barrios.