Pitbull Cruz reacts to Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson

On Saturday, January 31, 2026, Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson will headline “The Ring 6” fight card in New York City. Lopez vs Stevenson will be for Lopez’s WBO super lightweight title, with Stevenson stepping up in weight as the current WBC lightweight champion. It’s a fascinating matchup, with the boxing purists excited for this one. Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz has spoken to Fight Hub TV, sharing his view and welcoming a showdown against the winner.

Pitbull Cruz weighs in on Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson

Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) was last seen in action on the widely criticized May 2 Times Square card, where he comfortably defeated Arnold Barboza Jr, with the judges’ scorecards reading 116-112, 116-112, and 118-110 in favour of Teofimo. It was a disappointing night, with many fighters underperforming, but Lopez was the pick.

Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) last fought on the Ring III fight card, beating William Zepeda by unanimous decision (118-110, 118-110, 119-109). It was an impressive performance from Shakur, as he slipped many of Zepeda’s flurries, while timing his counters to perfection. Despite Zepeda’s fans cheering loudly throughout, Stevenson barely looked flustered and picked his punches well. It was arguably his best performance since beating Oscar Valdez.

When speaking to Fight Hub TV, Cruz was asked about Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson and potentially facing the winner of that fight: “Yeah, it’s a great fight, and I’d definitely like to face whoever wins,” said Cruz through an interpreter. 

Cruz was then asked who he thinks will win between Lopez and Stevenson: “It could go either way. 50/50.”

Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson

A fight between Lopez and Stevenson is a great way to kick off 2026, and a potential huge boost for American boxing. Shakur is going for his fourth division championship, and Lopez must be applauded for facing someone with Stevenson’s skills.

It’s a huge risk-and-reward fight for both, but if their styles mesh, it could be a memorable bout for all those watching.