Stevenson dethrones Lopez to become the new boxing super lightweight champion

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

That, ladies and gentlemen, was one of the most lopsided championship fights in the history of boxing.

On Feb. 1, 2026, Shakur Stevenson did the unthinkable after schooling Teofimo Lopez, ousting him from his throne to become the new Ring Magazine and World Boxing Organization (WBO) super lightweight champion of the world in New York City.

Too quick, too technical, and too slick was Stevenson for the defending champion, as the undefeated boxer from New Jersey put on a masterclass in front of a sold-out Madison Square Garden.

Rarely do we see a defending champion being listed as an underdog by the majority.

However, Stevenson showed why he is the top dog of the super lightweight division after handing Lopez the worst unanimous decision loss of his career, limiting him to just a single round won during their 12-round championship showdown.

From start to finish, Stevenson didn’t just box.

He conducted a sweet science clinic.

An efficient display of counterpunching immediately tagged Lopez in the opening round, backstopped by an impenetrable defensive stance that made Stevenson an almost impossible target to hit.

As the rounds progressed, Stevenson amped up the pressure and pulled away when the fifth round kicked off. With his signature snappy jabs and powerful lead left hand, Lopez could only watch and shadowbox his way out of danger.

The thousands in attendance started to rain down boos on Lopez after he failed to land a clean shot on Stevenson, with the latter staying consistent with his calculated aggression, fueled by well-placed jabs and deceptive uppercuts.

Round 8 was the only fruitful three-minute period for Lopez, and eventually the only one he won. To everyone’s surprise, he produced more efficient punches by targeting Stevenson’s midsection while moving in and out to avoid the big left counter.

Unfortunately, Lopez failed to replicate his Round 8 brilliance and went back flat, allowing Stevenson to reassert his dominance and end the super lightweight clash in style.

All three of the ringside judges scored the bout 119–109 in favor of Stevenson, awarding 11 rounds to the new king and just one (Round 8) to Lopez.

According to the official fight statistics, Stevenson out-landed Lopez by a mile — 130–90 overall — including advantages in both power punches (84–69) and jabs (47–22).