A super-lightweight super-fight between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson isn’t even official yet, but that hasn’t stopped the two prospective opponents from looking ahead.
Two of the biggest names in the sport appear to be on a collision course, with a clash expected early next year in New York. The bout would see Stevenson move up to 140lbs in pursuit of a fourth world title in as many divisions, but standing in his way is WBO champion Lopez.
As well as collecting world titles, Lopez, 22-1 (13 KOs), and Stevenson, 24-0 (11 KOs), are no strangers to making noise in front of the camera or on social media. Recently, the subject of Ryan Garcia has caught their attention.
Lopez tagged “KingRy” on X, issuing a polite callout for a “final showdown” next year.
“Ryan Garcia, let’s kick a** and make it a final showdown next year. The stars are aligning, just stay focused, like the amateur days. #Boxing #ShakurWillFall”
Stevenson didn’t miss the chance to chip in, agreeing that the winner should face Garcia.
“Final showdown? Actually I like this winner face bum a** Ryan. @RyanGarcia you down?”
Garcia has been free to resume his career since his one-year ban for testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug ostarine ended on April 20 this year. The punishment followed Garcia’s win over Devin Haney one year earlier, which was later ruled a No Contest after the findings were made.
In May, Garcia, 24-2 (20 KOs), returned at welterweight but turned in a disappointing performance against Rolando Romero for the Regular WBA title. The 27-year-old has since been linked to a bout against WBC champion Mario Barrios in 2026.
