Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson – Ben Whittaker makes his pick

On January 31, 2026, Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson will headline the “The Ring 6” fight card at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

These two elite boxers will meet for Lopez’s WBO super lightweight title. Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion, is moving up in weight to take on his fellow American. Ahead of this intriguing clash, light heavyweight contender Ben Whittaker spoke to DAZN and revealed his pick for the main event on January 31.

Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson – Ben Whittaker reveals his pick

Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) was last seen on the Ring III fight card at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York City. On that card, he produced a career-best performance, dominating William Zepeda by unanimous decision, with scorecards of 118-110 x2 and 119-109.

Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) appeared on the widely-criticized May 2 Times Square card. Teo won the fight by unanimous decision, with scorecards of 116-112, 116-112, and 118-110. 

Ben Whittaker (10-0-1, 7 KOs), who was last seen blowing away Benjamin Gavazi in the first round to win the vacant WBC silver light heavyweight title. Speaking to DAZN, The Surgeon was asked to make his pick for Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson:

“I’m gonna go with my boy Shakur. I think he can just keep distance. Keep it clean. Bite when he needs to. Box when he needs to…But I do like Lopez. He’s very athletic. He knows how to box. 

“And I think when there’s an occasion like this, he does rise to it. But I think Shakur’s been around the world as an amateur as well as a pro. I think he’s more of a seasoned fighter,” said Whittaker.

Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson full fight card

• Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson, 12 rounds, for Lopez’s lineal/WBO super lightweight title
• Keyshawn Davis vs Jamaine Ortiz, 12 rounds, super lightweights
• Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington vs Carlos Castro, 12 rounds, for vacant WBC featherweight title
• Carlos Adames vs Austin “Ammo” Williams, 12 rounds, for Adames’ WBC middleweight title
• Jarrell Miller vs Kingsley Ibeh, 10 rounds, heavyweights
• Ziyad Almayouf vs Kevin Castillo, 8 rounds, welterweights

Stay with Big Fight Weekend for coverage of Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson, including results and video highlights, and post-fight analysis.