Shakur Stevenson reposted Teofimo Lopez’s motivational message on social, keeping the pressure on him for their possible mega-fight in January 2026 at light welterweight.
Teofimo (22-1, 13 KOs) posted a “winners just win” message, which Shakur (24-0, 11 KOs) may have interpreted as a dig at him trying to get one over on him.
The fans on social media want the two fighters to make an announcement already, as they want to see the fight happen. There’s distrust of Teo because he’s had chances to fight but didn’t, either because he priced himself out or backed away. There’s a whole bunch of them.
- Devin Haney
- Jaron Ennis
- Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero
- Manny Pacquiao
- Devin Haney
- Shakur Stevenson
Facts 😈 https://t.co/ElUzOati7d
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) October 22, 2025
Fans Smell Desperation
What makes it interesting for fans is how desperate Shakur comes across. You can tell from the way he tails Teofimo that he’s so needy, it signals he has no other options. It’s suffocating the way Stevenson is pursuing Lopez. It’s like he doesn’t have any other options.
For Lopez, it’s going to be annoying the way Shakur is clinging to him and not letting him breathe. Whenever Teo posts, Shakur is right there, responding immediately like a fan with a bad case of hero-worship.
Teofimo is the bigger star and can pick and choose whoever he wants to make big money. It’s understandable why he seems ambivalent about fighting Shakur. The money Lopez will make fighting him is likely less than what he’d get fighting some of the names that he’s had the opportunity to fight.
Shakur’s Last Lifeline
There are so many dangerous contenders ranked in the WBC’s top five at lightweight that would destroy Shakur’s career, starting with #1 Andy Cruz. Stevenson really needs the Lopez fight to cash in while he still can because once he’s beaten by Cruz, the bottom is going to drop out of his career.
If Shakur doesn’t get this fight, his days are numbered as the WBC 135-lb champion. Cubans Andy Cruz and Jadier Herrera are coming for him. Those are just two of the many contenders that are ready to dethrone Stevenson.