There’s a lot going on with Teofimo Lopez. The two-division champion has been linked to a potential super lightweight fight against Shakur Stevenson for a while now. Recent reports suggested that the two camps were bullish on a showdown between the two in early 2026, with the rumored venue being New York. 

Stevenson, the three-division champion, would vie for Lopez’s WBO strap, as the fight was being planned as a Premier Boxing Champions card that would receive funding from His Excellency Turki Alalshikh. Both Stevenson and Lopez expressed interest in the fight, as recently as the Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight in Las Vegas. However, Lopez has shared a new update. 

Teofimo Lopez treats Shakur Stevenson as backup

Speaking to Stories Untold recently, ‘The Takeover’ explained he is in talks for two fights. “Next big fight that we’re speaking on there’s two in particular. If one doesn’t go through, we have another fight going on. So December 13th is possibly between Manny Pacquiao. And then Shakur Stevenson in January of 2026,” Lopez said.

When asked about his thoughts on facing boxing’s only eight-division champion, the 28-year-old revealed he would be honored to do so. “It’s legendary, honestly, just on my behalf, just facing getting in the ring with him. It’s a privilege,” Lopez said. “Honestly, it’s an honor to be able to be there. The Filipinos. They’re massive in the sport. They love boxing as it is.”

Lopez also revealed that he got the opportunity to train with Pacquiao before the Mario Barrios fight. “He’s a very humbling person, but more than that, [the] guy is a real-life Rocky Balboa. He’s real-life Rocky. So to be there, that would be awesome, you know, face with him,” Lopez concluded during the interview. 

A clip of this statement quickly made its way to X and caught Shakur Stevenson’s attention, who simply reacted by writing, “👀.” However, the bigger question is—will Manny Pacquiao fight Teofimo Lopez?

Manny Pacquiao announces next fight

Pacquiao has announced his return to the boxing ring. The Filipino legend revealed on Tuesday that he will fight on January 24 in Las Vegas, marking his second bout since coming out of retirement. “Hello to all my boxing fans. I’m excited to let you know I will be returning to the ring January 24 in Las Vegas,” Pacquiao shared on social media. “It is going to be an exciting and special event. Stay tuned. More news to come on my opponent in the next few days.”

Pacquiao, who will be 47 years old when he steps into the ring, is expected to face WBA welterweight champion Rolando Romero, who shocked Ryan Garcia in May. In his most recent outing, Pacquiao fought to a majority draw against Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. That fight took place just weeks after his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Having said that, it appears Teofimo Lopez is not getting the Manny Pacquiao fight since Pacquiao will fight in January, and Lopez is expected to have a December date for him. But nothing is confirmed apart from Pacquiao’s comeback date. So, only time will tell what’s next. Who would you want Lopez to fight?