Shakur Stevenson dominates Teofimo Lopez to become four-division champion

Stevenson beats Lopez in unanimous decision to capture WBO junior welterweight title

Feb. 1, 2026 at 2:31am

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Shakur Stevenson defeated Teofimo Lopez in a one-sided unanimous decision victory to capture the WBO junior welterweight title, becoming a four-division champion. Stevenson dominated the fight from start to finish, hardly getting hit while opening a cut over Lopez's left eye and winning every round on the judges' scorecards.

Why it matters

Stevenson's victory over the current WBC lightweight champion Lopez establishes him as one of the elite boxers in the sport, capable of winning titles in multiple weight classes. The win also sets up potential future matchups with other top fighters like Conor Benn as Stevenson continues to climb the pound-for-pound rankings.

The details

Stevenson (25-0) was in control throughout the fight, using his superior foot speed and counter-punching ability to pick apart Lopez (22-2). Lopez tried to press the action but was often left open to Stevenson's shots. Stevenson knocked Lopez off balance in the fourth round and landed several clean right jabs in the sixth, taking a commanding lead on the scorecards. By the later rounds, Stevenson had opened a cut over Lopez's left eye and was cruising to a decisive victory.

  • The fight took place on January 31, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
  • Stevenson entered the ring and reunited with his adviser, retired champion Terence Crawford, before the fight began.

The players

Shakur Stevenson

An unbeaten southpaw boxer who has now won titles in four different weight classes, cementing his status as one of the elite 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 exchanged words with Stevenson in the ring after the fight, hinting at a potential future matchup between the two.

Terence Crawford

The retired multi-division champion who serves as an adviser to Stevenson.

Turki Alalshikh

The promoter of the event, who announced that the attendance of 21,324 was a record for a boxing event at the current Madison Square Garden.

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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 fighters like Conor Benn as he continues to climb the pound-for-pound rankings.

The takeaway

Shakur Stevenson's dominant performance against Teofimo Lopez, a former undisputed champion, solidifies his status as one of the elite boxers in the sport and a rising star capable of winning titles across multiple weight classes.