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From Social Media Buzz to Contract Talks The anticipation has been building for months. Following Stevenson’s July unanimous decision victory over William Zepeda his third successful defense of the WBC lightweight crown the Newark native wasted no time in publicly calling out Lopez. The 27-year-old Stevenson, already a three-division champion, has made no secret of his intention to move up to 140 pounds to pursue gold in a fourth weight class. Lopez, meanwhile, has been holding down the junior welterweight division since dethroning Josh Taylor in June 2023. He has since made three defenses, most recently a dominant win over Arnold Barboza Jr. in May. His mix of athleticism, power, and flair makes him one of boxing’s most polarizing stars and an ideal foil for Stevenson’s calculated, defensive brilliance. Their growing rivalry intensified this summer during a fiery face-off on Inside The Ring, where both men exchanged barbs and promises of victory, only adding to the public’s appetite for the matchup. Why This Fight Matters If finalized, Lopez vs. Stevenson would be one of the biggest fights in recent boxing history for several reasons: Multi-Division Stakes: Stevenson attempts to become a four-division champion. Clash of Styles: Lopez brings speed and explosiveness, while Stevenson offers precision and defensive mastery. Legacy Implications: For Lopez, it’s about cementing himself as the king of 140. For Stevenson, it’s about proving his skills translate against bigger opposition. And beyond belts and records, the fight has the rare quality of two young, prime fighters daring to face each other at the peak of their powers — something boxing fans crave.
