Eddie Hearn Says Shakur Stevenson’s Talent Will Neutralize Teofimo Lopez’s Measurement Edge in Potential January 2026 Showdown

Eddie Hearn says he doesn’t consider Shakur Stevenson’s dimension drawback towards Teofimo Lopez will stop him from defeating him of their doable combat in January 2026.

Hearn believes that Shakur’s abilities will enable him to take care of WBO gentle welterweight champion Lopez’s dimension.

Shakur Pushes Again

“We had been speaking in regards to the dimension of Teofimo Lopez. He’s not a large 140, however he’s nonetheless a decent-sized 140,” mentioned promoter Eddie Hearn to Brian Custer’s channel. “I mentioned to Shakur [Stevenson] ‘You’ll be the smaller man in that combat.’ ‘No, I received’t.’ I mentioned, ‘You can be.’”

Shakur may not be the smaller man, however he’ll be giving freely so much within the energy division. That counts for a similar factor as him giving freely dimension. Lopez, 5’9″, has a one-inch peak benefit over the 5’8″ Shakur, and a half-inch attain.

“I mentioned, ‘I don’t suppose it’ll essentially have an effect on something. I believe you’ll win the combat. That’s when it begins to be an actual problem when you find yourself preventing an even bigger man,” mentioned Hearn about his dialog with Shakur Stevenson being the smaller fighter at 140.

Freely giving dimension to Teofimo will very possible have an effect on Shakur, as he’s used to being the larger fighter with the longer attain. With him preventing Lopez, Shakur will probably be coping with a man his dimension, however with much more energy. So, he can’t get away with preventing together with his again towards the ropes for 12 rounds like he did in his final combat towards William Zepeda on Might 2, 2025.

Teo Constructed for This Division

“That’s an fascinating model match-up. I don’t know the way it will gel, the 2 types. They’re each extremely skillful. Teo is actually tough at occasions, and typically a bit bizarre with the best way he fights. However he’s an unbelievable expertise,” mentioned Hearn.

Even when Teofimo and Shakur are roughly the identical dimension, Teo is the a lot greater puncher and extra suited to the 140-lb division. Stevenson is compelled to combat at 135, as he doesn’t possess sufficient energy to marketing campaign at gentle welterweight. Staying at 140 would imply that Shakur must compete with these wolves:

Ernesto MercadoKeyshawn DavisGary Antuanne RussellIsaac CruzSubriel MatiasAlberto PuelloKevin BrownJamaine OrtizKenneth SimsRichardson Hitchins

Stevenson would possibly be capable to beat a few of these fighters, but it surely’s doable that over half would beat him. Teofimo is amongst them when it comes to energy and the problem that he’ll carry to Shakur.