Hall of Famer James Toney believes there is just one fighter capable of knocking out unbeaten lightweight superstar Shakur Stevenson.
Stevenson has had an exceptional professional career to date, winning all 24 of his bouts since entering the paid ranks following his success at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
The 28-year-old from Newark currently holds the WBC world lightweight title, making the most recent defence of his crown against Mexico’s William Zepeda at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York on July 12.
It was announced earlier this month that Stevenson will make the move up to super-lightweight ahead of his next outing, as he gears up to challenge WBO world champion Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden in New York City on January 31.
Speaking to Mill City Boxing, three-weight world champion Toney claimed that he believes Lopez has what it takes to defeat Stevenson next month, as he predicts a ‘late stoppage win’ for ‘The Takeover’.
“Another great fight. Teo’s too big for him. Both fighters have extraordinary skills. It’s gonna be a great fight as long as it lasts. I see Teo stopping him late if it happens. If not Shakur runs around the ring for 12 rounds and it’ll be a boring ass fight.”
Whilst he is faced with what could prove to be the toughest test of his career, Stevenson will have his sights set on becoming a world champion in a fourth weight class in what is set to be one of the most intriguing bouts of 2026.
