Stevenson and Lopez Face Off at Knicks Game Before MSG Showdown

The two boxing champions met on the court ahead of their highly anticipated super lightweight title fight this Saturday.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 2:15pm

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Shakur Stevenson and Teofimo Lopez, two rising boxing stars, faced off on the court at Madison Square Garden during a New York Knicks game this week. The two fighters, who will headline a title fight at MSG on Saturday, stared each other down as the crowd cheered them on. Both fighters were gifted custom Knicks jerseys for the occasion.

Why it matters

The face-off between Stevenson and Lopez generated buzz and excitement for their upcoming fight, which will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden. As two of the top young talents in boxing, their matchup is highly anticipated by fans. The on-court confrontation at the Knicks game helped build anticipation for the fight.

The details

Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion, and Lopez, the WBO and The Ring super lightweight titleholder, stared each other down for about 20 seconds during a timeout in the Knicks-Kings game. Lopez held his two championship belts as the crowd cheered. Both fighters were also presented with custom Knicks jerseys with the number 1 on them.

  • The face-off took place on Tuesday, January 28, 2026 during a timeout in the Knicks-Kings game.
  • Stevenson and Lopez will fight on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Madison Square Garden.

The players

Shakur Stevenson

The WBC lightweight champion who is making his super lightweight debut against Teofimo Lopez.

Teofimo Lopez

The WBO and The Ring super lightweight champion who will be defending his titles against Stevenson.

Tracy Morgan

The actor and comedian who offered his support to Stevenson courtside at the Knicks game.

Spike Lee

The famous Knicks superfan who sought out Lopez before the game and learned he was a fellow Brooklyn native.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.