Feb 02, 2026
3 min read
Stevenson has hailed his discipline and preparation after defeating Lopez to win the four-division title, while his in-ring rivalry with Conor Benn promotes talk of the fight.
Shakur Stevenson described his dominant victory over Teófimo López at Madison Square Garden as the product of discipline, preparation and years of studying his opponent, after producing what many observers viewed as the finest performance of his career.
The unbeaten American hammered Lopez over 12 rounds to become a four-division world champion, and warning Stevenson confirmed his long-held belief that he belonged among boxing's elite.
"All glory to God. It was a fantastic night," Stevenson said."I worked hard. I stayed disciplined throughout camp. I was in great shape. He's a great fighter, but tonight I was the better man."
Stevenson said he was in control early in the fight and believed he had beaten Lopez mentally and physically well before the final bell.
"Yes, it was." Asked if he thought he had disappointed his opponent, he said: "I think he is a pioneer, he tried to fight back, but yes, I chose him."
The 28-year-old recalled the moment he soon realized he could dominate the championship and said he felt a physical edge during the match.
"In the second round I told my corner, I said I was stronger than him," Stevenson said.
Stevenson said his extensive film study helped him predict Lopez's movements and tendencies, and he believed his tactical preparation was the deciding factor.
"I studied them. I studied them all," Stephenson said."Everything I saw on tape was on display tonight. There are benefits to watching tape."
This preparation was especially evident in Stevenson's jab work, which he used repeatedly to control distance and break Lopez's rhythm.
"I told my team before the game that I got one of the best balls in the world," Stevenson said.
Despite entering the fight openly talking about wanting a break, Stevenson said he has no regrets about winning a decision over a tough opponent.
"You won't be disappointed. It's boxing after all," he said. "When I tried to stop him, he started fighting back a little bit. So kudos to him. He's a fighting fighter. He gained a lot of knowledge and did what he had to do to survive."
Stevenson framed the win as a defining moment in his career, especially given his opponent's age and pedigree.
"I told everybody my moment was going to come," Stevenson said."I'm bringing people out. The demon took the bait. Finally, someone took the bait. I begged for this moment. We finally got it."
He also hinted that a win could usher in a new phase in his career as he pursues the biggest fights available.
"I'm into big fights. I like big fights. I like big money fights. I like to prove that I'm the best," Stevenson said. "I like things that people say I can't do," Stevenson said.
One of the potential future opponents raised after the fight was Britain's Conor Benn, who climbed into the ring shortly after the decision was announced and briefly confronted Stevenson as the crowd reacted.
Stevenson indicated that he would be open to fighting if terms were not agreed upon.
"I'm into big fights. I like big fights. I want to prove that I'm better," Stevenson said."There are a lot of people who say I'm too young for Conor Benn and I can't do it - so it makes for a great fight."
But Stevenson said negotiations may depend on the weight of the contract agreement.
"If he doesn't agree, we probably won't argue," Stevenson said."After all, I'm an entrepreneur."
Looking to the wider future, Stevenson said his next move would be determined by the balance between legacy and financial opportunity rather than a particular opponent.
"I have to go back to the drawing board and get in front of my leadership team and see who will bring the biggest fight for the money and the biggest fight for legacy," he said.
For Stevenson, Saturday's performance was more than another title win — it was confirmation that he's at the top of his game.
"Absolutely," he said when asked if he thought he was one of the top guys in boxing right now."I stayed focused. I told everyone that my time would come."
