Shakur Stevenson Dominates Teofimo Lopez, Rises into Top 5 Pound-for-Pound Rankings

The slick southpaw from Newark, New Jersey, made a statement with his one-sided victory over the previously top-10 pound-for-pound fighter.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 11:47am

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Shakur Stevenson, the 28-year-old boxer from Newark, New Jersey, delivered a masterful performance in his victory over fellow top-10 pound-for-pound fighter Teofimo Lopez Jr. last Saturday. Stevenson won 11 of 12 rounds on all three scorecards, dominating Lopez throughout the fight and making it look as if his opponent didn't belong in the ring with him. The win marked Stevenson's fourth world title in as many weight classes, making him the quickest boxer to achieve that feat in history.

Why it matters

Stevenson's dominant win over Lopez not only propelled him into the top 5 of the pound-for-pound rankings, but it also suggested that the slick southpaw could be on the verge of becoming the best boxer in the sport. His ability to stand firm in the pocket and counter clean against an explosive fighter like Lopez has raised expectations that Stevenson could soon claim the top spot in the pound-for-pound rankings.

The details

In the 36-minute fight, Stevenson bloodied Lopez's left eye and left the previously unbeaten fighter out of answers by routinely catching him clean while working behind his educated jab. Stevenson, who was a firm betting favorite coming into the fight, made it look easy against Lopez, a former lineal 140-pound champion.

  • Stevenson defeated Lopez on January 28, 2026.
  • Stevenson became the quickest boxer to attain world titles in four different divisions in boxing history.

The players

Shakur Stevenson

A 28-year-old boxer from Newark, New Jersey, who is the current WBO junior welterweight champion and has now won world titles in four different weight classes.

Teofimo Lopez Jr.

A former lineal 140-pound champion and top-10 pound-for-pound fighter who was defeated by Stevenson in a one-sided fight.

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What they’re saying

“Stevenson showcased brilliant skill in dismantling a previously ranked pound-for-pound great”

— Brian Campbell, Author

What’s next

Stevenson has called out British star Conor Benn and 140-pound Mexican fan favorite Isaac "Pitbull" Cruz as potential future opponents.

The takeaway

Stevenson's dominant victory over Lopez has solidified his status as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and raised expectations that he could soon claim the top spot in the rankings, provided he continues to take on and defeat other elite opponents.