Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo López: From Princes to Kings of Boxing

Shakur Stevenson vs. Teófimo López: A Generational Duel in the Ring

In the spring of 2016, Herman Caicedo’s gym in Miami was a hotbed of pugilistic talent. Champions, Olympic hopefuls, and contenders from various latitudes gathered there. However, the star of that session was a young amateur bantamweight from Newark, New Jersey: Shakur Stevenson, an 18-year-old pugilist with a boyish face.

“He did 40 rounds of sparring, at least, without stopping, he didn’t leave the ring,” recalls Caicedo, a veteran coach. “He did eight or ten rounds with my champion, Juan Carlos Payano.”

Herman Caicedo

Stevenson also faced Claudio Marrero, and other notable boxers. Despite his youth, Stevenson proved to be up to the task, or even surpass, his opponents. The last rival of that day was Teófimo López Jr., a lightweight from Florida who was also seeking a place on the Olympic team. The perception of who dominated that day varies depending on the source. Caicedo, remembers a close match, where both boxers left a good impression. A decade later, that day in Miami reveals important aspects about both pugilists, about what they have achieved and how they will present themselves in their fight for the 140-pound title at Madison Square Garden. If they were princes then, now they fight to be kings, to be considered the successors of Terence Crawford and the legacy of Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“We signed both of them thinking they could be great,” says Carl Moretti, vice president of Top Rank, who signed them after the 2016 Olympics. “But the truth is, they are even better than we thought.”

Carl Moretti

Although they are no longer part of Top Rank, Stevenson and López, both 28 years old, represent the best of their generation, the most outstanding boxers with the most solid resumes. “Two guys in their prime willing to face each other,” López declared. “That helps the sport. It’s an example.” Stevenson, true to his essence, maintains an unwavering obsession with boxing. He is the best defensive boxer of his generation, and therefore, the most avoided. Boxers do not fear a punch, but being humiliated. That’s what makes Stevenson a great fighter.

Currently, a photograph circulating on the internet shows Mayweather, Andre Ward, Crawford, and Stevenson, solidifying the perception that Stevenson is next in line, a possible pound-for-pound number one. However, this will depend on his performance against Lopez, a forecast that presents a considerable challenge. According to the bets, López is the underdog, indicating that Stevenson is a clear favorite. López, in his victory against Vasiliy Lomachenko, also came as an underdog. The difference between López and Stevenson lies in their temperaments and trajectories. Stevenson is rational and calculating, focused on boxing. López, on the other hand, is charismatic and often involved in family drama. Stevenson seeks to be a great boxer, while López yearns to be loved and adored. In the past, Stevenson had weight problems. López, for his part, has suffered extreme weight cuts, even went as far as to boast about it. López rejected a fight against Devin Haney, which was considered more accessible and profitable.

“It was just the moment,” said López. “I was dealing with personal matters, as usually happens in my career: marriage, family matters. It turned out the way it did”.

Teófimo López

This fight is a trial by fire for both boxers, a confrontation that will define the course of their careers and consolidate their legacy in the world of boxing.