Highly-rated trainer Robert Garcia has predicted the outcome of the potential clash between Shakur Stevenson and Teofimo Lopez.
It is being reported that Stevenson will make the move up to 140lbs to challenge WBO super-lightweight champion Lopez during the early stages of 2026, although an official announcement is yet to be made.
Unbeaten WBC lightweight champion Stevenson is setting his sights on becoming a four-weight world champion when he faces Lopez, having already won world honours at featherweight, super-featherweight and lightweight.
Lopez made the third successful defence of his WBO world title at 140lbs back in May when he defeated countryman and mandatory challenger Arnold Barboza Jr via unanimous decision at the iconic Times Square in New York City.
Ahead of the proposed Stevenson vs. Lopez match-up, top trainer Garcia has had his say, as speaking to Fight Hub TV, he admitted that whilst he ‘finds it hard’ to pick a clear winner, he claims that he would probably lean towards ‘The Takeover’ ahead of Stevenson.
“It’s gonna be a hard pick because between both of them it’s hard to pick a winner honestly, leaving the relationships aside it’s hard, it’s difficult.
“It’s difficult because they’re both very talented, they both have their own advantages to pull off the win but in my heart I’m probably gonna lean towards Teofimo.”
Lopez finds himself on a good run of form over the past 18 months, remaining unbeaten in his last six bouts since he suffered the first defeat of his professional career back in November of 2021 when he was beaten by Australia’s George Kambosos Jr.
