Teofimo Lopez Labels Shakur Stevenson ‘A Very Talented Skillful Technique Fighter’ but Reveals Flaws in His Game

Published 02/07/2024, 6:00 AM EST

In the high-stakes world of boxing, words can hit as hard as punches. Teofimo Lopez knows this well. Recently, on Cigar Talk, he weighed in on Shakur Stevenson. Lopez praised him, yet not without a hefty but. Stevenson might have a chink in his armor. According to Lopez, it’s not about how hard you can hit.

The real question? How hard can you get hit? Lopez’s sparring tales with Stevenson offer a glimpse. What did he find behind Stevenson’s jab? Is he scared to get hit?

Beyond Stevenson’s jab

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It’s clear he holds Stevenson in high regard, yet harbors reservations about his approach to combat. “Shakur is a very talented, skillful technique fighter,” Lopez admits. However, he quickly pivots to the core of his critique, asserting, “However, scared to get hit. Scared to get knocked out in front of the world.”

Lopez’s commentary doesn’t stop at broad strokes. He draws from personal experience, recounting, “Me and Shakur sparred before, we did 3 rounds.” According to Lopez, it was an exercise in strategy and analysis. “It was just like work and me tryna figure out his jab.”

Lopez then zeroes in on what he perceives as Stevenson’s Achilles’ heel. “Does he have a good jab? Ya he does, but once you pass his jab it’s game (over).” The implication here is stark; Lopez suggests that penetrating Stevenson’s first line of defense exposes a vulnerability ripe for exploitation. “It’s food, it’s lunch food,” he concludes, using a metaphor to emphasize his point.

What does Teofimo think about Shakur’s retirement?

Teofimo Lopez stays critical of Shakur!

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Teofimo Lopez offered a nuanced reaction to Shakur Stevenson’s surprising retirement announcement. Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Lopez hinted at financial disagreements with promoters as a potential catalyst. “Well, after that [Edwin De Los Santos fight] performance, he pulled off. And that stunt, Top Rank said, ‘We’re not going to pay you what you had last time,’” Lopez revealed.

Despite the critique, Lopez’s tone softened as he expressed his wishes for Stevenson’s future. “So, he said, ‘f**k this, I’m the best, and I’m going to retire with it,’” Lopez shared, yet added, “I wish him nothing but success and the best. But you got to take the cuts, man. This is what it takes!”

Also Read: Shakur Stevenson Brands Devin Haney’s Father as “Helluva Business Man” After Recent Clip With Conor Benn Goes Viral

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How will Stevenson’s story unfold from here? Will he rise to address these critiques, or has the final bell tolled on an illustrious career?

Watch this story: Devin Haney Fires Shots At Shakur Stevenson After Edwin De Los Santos Disappointing Win

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Written by:

"Boxing is the ultimate challenge. There's nothing that can compare to testing yourself the way you do every time you step in the ring," said Sugar Ray Leonard. Growing up engrossed in sports, it was the compelling narrative of the Mike Tyson documentary that first pulled me into the magnetic world of boxing.

Edited by:

Arijit Saha

Teofimo Lopez Labels Shakur Stevenson ‘A Very Talented Skillful Technique Fighter’ but Reveals Flaws in His Game

Beyond Stevenson’s jab

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Teofimo Lopez stays critical of Shakur!