Shakur Stevenson Risks Ruin Chasing Teofimo At 140

Many fans on social media believe Shakur Stevenson is making a mistake in moving up to No. 140 to face Teofimo Lopez in early 2026.

Shakur’s lack of size, strength and physicality is why doubters are picking Lopez (22-1, 13 KO) to win this bout on January 31, 2026. Teofimo, the WBO light welterweight champion, has shown time and time again that he can fight in the pocket and trade with tough opponents.

We haven’t seen Stevenson hold his own against real punchers since he turned pro in 2017. Across the three divisions he’s competed in, he’s only faced one true power threat: Edwin de los Santos. In their November 2023 fight, he boxed Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) on the move for most of the 12 rounds.

Shakur’s post earlier today on social media — saying he won’t participate in Thanksgiving because Teofimo predicted it would make him quit — indicates he’s taking this matchup seriously. When fighters adjust their routines around training camp, it usually means the stakes are high.

“No thanks this year for me. The guy said he’s gone make me quit the chair or fire me… We’re working today. F** that,”* Shakur said on X.

Shakur’s last fight was against William Zepeda, and he absorbed more shots than we usually see from him. He stayed more grounded than usual, and the pace of that fight left obvious marks on him at the final bell. It was against a fighter who was not known for his one-punch power. Teofimo presents a completely different challenge, and a stylistic fit will be difficult.

Hopefully Shakur and his team have fully evaluated what comes with this jump to 140 and the threat Lopez brings come January 31. A loss here would complicate Stevenson’s 2026 plans, including potential fights against Connor Penn and Lamont Roach. Those games could be pushed aside depending on what happens with Teo.