WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson has emerged as one of the biggest names in the lightweight division. His skills and IQ have made him one of the most avoided fighters even by the biggest names in his division. And it appears WBO super lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez knows that better than anybody, as he issued a warning to everyone who may get in Stevenson’s crosshairs. 

The Newark native is coming off a dominant ninth round knockout win over England’s Josh Padley earlier this year. He is now looking at several options for his next rendezvous in the ring. This includes ‘Interim’ WBC lightweight champion William Zepeda. However, the fight Stevenson has been dreaming about is against WBA lightweight champion, Gervonta Davis.

Despite callouts, taunts, and tantrums, the Baltimore native has refused to step into the ring with Stevenson. Even as fans persist in calling for it to happen. Davis is currently busy with his potential rematch against Lamont Roach Jr. after suffering his first career draw in early March. Regardless, Teofimo Lopez seems to know why Davis doesn’t want the smoke against Stevenson.

In an interview with Fight Hub TV recently, the 27-year-old boasted about Stevenson’s skills. He highlighted Stevenson as the only one who can rival his own. “Stevenson got skills to put everybody to sleep,” he said during the interview. “Man, if there’s any other boxer that I know could put anybody asleep, it’s Shakur Stevenson. I ain’t never seen something like that in my life.”

When asked why he isn’t running a fade against the Newark native, Lopez revealed he expects Stevenson to come up to super lightweight. “Well, because first things first, Shakur gotta go up and wait. Second thing, second, we gotta fight Barboza first,” Lopez said in the interview. Teofimo Lopez and Arnold Barboza are expected to lock horns on May 2 in New York. As the undercard of Ryan Garcia vs. Rolly Romero for Lopez’s WBO belt.

In the meantime, Lopez isn’t alone in boasting about Stevenson’s skills. 

Shakur Stevenson is expected to prove a tough challenge for William Zepeda

Shakur Stevenson is expected to present a formidable challenge for William Zepeda if the two meet in the ring this year. Zepeda recently secured a majority decision win over Tevin Farmer to retain his WBC interim lightweight title. Now, he is eyeing a shot at Stevenson’s full championship. However, boxing analyst Sergio Mora believes the undefeated American will be a difficult puzzle to solve.

“I don’t think anyone looks good against Shakur Stevenson,” Mora said on DAZN. “That’s how brilliant he is. He’s a master boxer, another southpaw, quick on his feet.”  Stevenson’s defensive prowess and Olympic pedigree have frustrated many opponents, making him one of the most technically sound fighters in the division. While Zepeda’s relentless pressure and high punch output could pose challenges, Mora believes Stevenson “has everything you don’t want to face in a fighter.”

That said, top fighters and experts seemingly hold Shakur Stevenson in high regard. And rightly so, but only time will tell whether the Newark native can assert his dominance over the likes of Gervonta Davis. Who do you think will win a fight between Stevenson and Davis?