Shakur Stevenson Captures WBO Junior Welterweight Title, Becomes Four-Division Champion

Stevenson dominates Teofimo Lopez to win the WBO junior welterweight belt in a unanimous decision victory at Madison Square Garden.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 6:15am

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Shakur Stevenson put on a masterful performance, dominating Teofimo Lopez to capture the WBO junior welterweight title and become a four-division champion. Stevenson was in control throughout the fight, hardly getting hit in the early rounds and opening a cut over Lopez's left eye later in the bout. All three judges scored the fight 119-109 in favor of Stevenson, who picked Lopez apart with his superior speed and counter-punching skills.

Why it matters

Stevenson's victory over the current WBC lightweight champion Lopez establishes him as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport. At just 25 years old, Stevenson has now won titles in four different weight classes, cementing his status as an elite talent in boxing. The win also sets up potential future matchups with other top junior welterweight and welterweight contenders like Conor Benn.

The details

Stevenson (25-0) was in complete control of the fight, hardly getting hit in the early rounds and opening a cut over Lopez's left eye later in the bout. All three judges scored the fight 119-109 in Stevenson's favor, giving just one round to Lopez (22-2). Stevenson's superior speed and counter-punching skills allowed him to pick Lopez apart, with Lopez often lunging forward and leaving himself open to Stevenson's shots.

  • The fight took place on Saturday, February 1, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The players

Shakur Stevenson

An unbeaten American professional boxer who has now won titles in four different weight classes, cementing his status as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.

Teofimo Lopez

The current WBC lightweight champion who was looking to add the WBO junior welterweight title to his collection, but was thoroughly outclassed by Stevenson.

Conor Benn

A British boxer who traded words with Stevenson in the ring after the fight, hinting at a potential future matchup between the two.

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What they’re saying

“This is the art of boxing. Hit, don't get hit and pick guys apart.”

— Shakur Stevenson

“I picked him apart, I did what I was supposed to do.”

— Shakur Stevenson

“I could say a lot of things. Still going to be the wrong thing.”

— Teofimo Lopez

What’s next

Stevenson's victory sets up potential future matchups with other top junior welterweight and welterweight contenders like Conor Benn.

The takeaway

At just 25 years old, Shakur Stevenson has now won titles in four different weight classes, cementing his status as one of the elite talents in boxing. His dominant performance over the current WBC lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez showcases Stevenson's exceptional skills and highlights his potential to become a true pound-for-pound great in the sport.