A super lightweight superfight between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson isn’t even official yet, but that hasn’t stopped the two potential opponents from looking to the future.
Two of the sport’s biggest names appear to be on a collision course, with a clash expected early next year in New York. The fight would see Stevenson move up to 140 pounds in pursuit of a fourth world title in as many divisions, but standing in his way is WBO champion Lopez.
In addition to collecting world titles, Lopez, 22-1 (13 KOs) and Stevenson, 24-0 (11 KOs), are no strangers to making noise on camera or on social media. Recently, the topic of Ryan Garcia caught their attention.
Lopez tagged “KingRy” in X, making a polite call for a “final showdown” next year.
“Ryan Garcia, let’s go ahead and make a final showdown next year. The stars are aligning, just stay focused, like in the amateur days. #Boxing #ShakurWillFall”
Stevenson did not miss the opportunity to participate, agreeing that the winner should face Garcia.
“The final showdown? I actually like this winner over a** Ryan. @RyanGarcia are 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 victory over Devin Haney a year earlier, which was later ruled a no contest after findings were made.
In May, Garcia, 24-2 (20 KOs), returned to welterweight but had a disappointing performance against Rolando Romero for the WBA Regular title. The 27-year-old has since been linked with a fight against WBC champion Mario Barrios in 2026.
