Two-weight world champion Teofimo Lopez has vowed to put a potential rival ‘to sleep’ as he gears up to make his return to the ring.
The 28-year-old from Brooklyn made the third consecutive defence of his WBO world super-lightweight title back in May, defeating mandatory challenger Arnold Barboza Jr via unanimous decision at Times Square in New York City on May 2.
Lopez previously reigned as the unified WBA, WBO and IBF world lightweight champion, achieving this feat back in October of 2020 when he sensationally dethroned Ukrainian great Vasiliy Lomachenko in Las Vegas.
As rumours begin to circulate about Lopez’s long-awaited return to the ring, the 28-year-old has been linked with potential showdowns with Filipino great Manny Pacquiao and reigning WBC world lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson.
The more likely opponent for ‘The Takeover’ appears to be countryman Stevenson, with reports suggesting that the American duo could clash during the earlier stages of 2026 with an official announcement set to be made in the coming weeks.
Speaking on social media, Lopez sensationally vowed to put Stevenson ‘to sleep’ as their intriguing clash edges closer to being made official.
I’m putting you to sleep for all the times you put your fans to sleep with your performances!
Sorry ass MF’; I got a new nickname for you .. Mr. Sandman @ShakurStevensonhttps://t.co/fv4BYMaAIV— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) October 14, 2025
Stevenson followed up with this by issuing a response to Lopez, as he claims his countryman’s ‘time is up’.
U stopped 0 people at 140 now you’re gone put me to sleep? 😂 Teafima your time is up I hope you enjoyed ya run.. #4DivisionChampOTWhttps://t.co/D3GM0hcFRR
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) October 14, 2025
Whilst an official announcement is yet to be made, it is expected that Stevenson will make the move up to 140lbs to challenge Lopez for his WBO world title, as he sets his sights on becoming a world champion in a fourth weight class at just 28-years-old.
