Shakur Stevenson dominated and outclassed Teofimo Lopez with an exemplary performance on Saturday night, capturing the WBO junior welterweight title by defeating Lopez with a unanimous decision at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) had asserted that he would make the bout with Lopez appear effortless, and he fulfilled that promise, with all three judges scoring the contest 119-109. In doing so, Stevenson became the quickest fighter to achieve a four-division championship.
“I picked him apart and did what I was supposed to do,” Stevenson stated. “This is the art of boxing — hit and don’t get hit and pick guys apart. I told you all I’m the best fighter on the planet and I stand by that.”
Utilizing a powerful jab and sharp reflexes, Stevenson neutralized the aggressive Lopez from the very start. Instead of circling the ring, Stevenson maintained control in the center, breaking down Lopez and demoralizing him as the rounds progressed. Confounded by Stevenson’s superiority, Lopez’s father and trainer resorted to encouraging his son rather than providing effective guidance in the corner.
Lopez (22-2, 18 KOs) struggled to find solutions against Stevenson but continued to press forward. However, after six rounds, he was significantly outlanded 78-23 by Stevenson and was unable to make any adjustments that could change the fight’s trajectory.
After the victory, Stevenson issued a challenge to Conor Benn, who last competed against Chris Eubank Jr. at 160 pounds in November.
