The opening press conference for the highly anticipated 140 lb title defense between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson took place today, generating excitement as the January 31 showdown approaches. The event featured remarks from various officials before the fighters took the stage to share their thoughts on the bout.
Shakur Stevenson expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I think he did some great things against his past opponents, but I see a lot of weaknesses in his game.” He referenced Lopez’s previous match against Vasiliy Lomachenko, emphasizing the importance of mental strength in boxing. “I will be 100x better on fight night against Teofimo Lopez than I was against Zepeda,” Shakur declared. He aims to prove himself as a top contender in the sport, eyeing a position among the top five pound-for-pound fighters. “Come fight night, he’s going to realize that I’m going to take it to another level that he hasn’t seen before.”
Teofimo Lopez responded to questions from Chris Mannix, maintaining a grateful and positive demeanor despite not eliciting the crowd’s enthusiastic reception that he had hoped for. Lopez commented on the significance of the fight, saying, “We’re defying the odds, we’re against all odds.” He playfully teased Stevenson while also acknowledging their mutual respect as top competitors.
Adding to the proceedings, Turki Alalshikh made a phone appearance during the press conference, voicing his concerns about the event’s energy and underscoring the importance of the upcoming fight. He mentioned that the winner would have opportunities for even bigger bouts later in the year. “This is an important fight…This fight is the first step of a crazy map of boxing,” Alalshikh stated, further amplifying the stakes.
As fans eagerly await this match, both fighters have made it clear that they are prepared to put their skills and determination to the test, promising an exciting encounter that will have significant implications for their future in the sport. The anticipation surrounding the fight is palpable, setting the stage for a memorable clash in the boxing world.