Teofimo Lopez Retains WBO Super Lightweight Title in Thrilling Split Decision Over Shakur Stevenson at Madison Square Garden

Madison Square Garden in New York City was electric on January 31, 2026, as Teofimo Lopez retained his WBO super lightweight title (plus The Ring championship) via razor-close split decision (115-113, 113-115, 116-112) over Shakur Stevenson in a 12-round masterclass of skill, heart, and controversy. Lopez’s aggression, power shots, and late-round rally narrowly edged Stevenson’s slick boxing and counterpunching, delivering one of the most debated decisions of 2026. Aired live on DAZN PPV starting at 9:00 p.m. ET after prelims, the fight instantly polarized X, with @TopRankBoxing posting “Lopez survives — one of the closest title fights ever at MSG.” The sold-out 20,000 crowd, fueled by New York fight-week energy and a Times Square fan zone, turned this into a landmark unification-style clash between two of boxing’s brightest young stars.

Fight Overview Lopez vs. Stevenson headlined the Top Rank/DAZN PPV card at Madison Square Garden, kicking off at 9:00 p.m. ET after undercard bouts at 6:00 p.m. ET. Slated for around 11:30 p.m. ET, the 12-round fight was for Lopez’s WBO super lightweight title plus The Ring belt: Lopez, 28, defended his championship in his first major fight of 2026, while 28-year-old Stevenson aimed to become undisputed after unifying at 130 lbs in 2025. Bet365 listed Lopez as a -150 favorite, Stevenson at +130 in a near pick’em. X framed it as “power vs. finesse,” with @DAZNBoxing posting, “Lopez’s aggression vs. Stevenson’s boxing — MSG classic incoming!” The 20,000 fans, hyped by weigh-ins at Barclays Center and NYC media tours, created one of the loudest atmospheres in boxing history. X polls were virtually dead-even (50-50) pre-fight.

Teofimo Lopez The 28-year-old from Brooklyn, New York (Puerto Rican/Honduran descent), entered with a 21-1 record (13 KOs), orthodox at 5’8″ with a 68.5-inch reach. The former unified lightweight champion averages 7.2 punches per round at 56% accuracy (Compubox), having won the WBO 140-lb title in 2025. Training at his own gym, recent X clips showed him drilling body-head combinations with coach Teofimo Sr. His 62% KO rate and explosive style made him dangerous, with @TopRank tweeting, “Takeover 2.0 — Teofimo ready to shine at MSG.”

Shakur Stevenson The 28-year-old from Newark, New Jersey, carried a 23-0 record (11 KOs), southpaw at 5’7″ with a 68-inch reach. The former unified featherweight and junior lightweight champ lands 6.5 punches per round at 60% accuracy (Compubox), moving up to 140 lbs after dominating at 130. Training with Sugar Ray Leonard influence, X footage showed him sharpening counters and movement. @MatchroomBoxing noted, “Stevenson’s +130 is skill value — he’s the best pure boxer in the world.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown Round 1: MSG roars as Stevenson opens with a slick southpaw jab, circling Lopez. Teofimo lands a right at 1:30, but Shakur counters cleanly. Compubox: Stevenson 26/42 to Lopez’s 18/38. 10-9 Stevenson.

Round 2-3: Lopez presses in Round 2, landing body shots (22/45). Stevenson responds with sharp counters in Round 3 (30/48), reddening Lopez’s cheek. Scores 20-18 Stevenson.

Round 4-6: Lopez traps Stevenson in Round 4, landing shorts (24 landed). Stevenson outlands 70-62 over 5-6 with movement; Round 6 left hook staggers Lopez briefly. 10-9 Lopez Round 4, Stevenson 5-6.

Round 7-9: Lopez rallies in Round 7, landing a big right at 1:45 (26 landed), opening a cut over his own eye. Stevenson reclaims in 8-9, jabbing and slipping (42/68). 10-9 Lopez Round 7, Stevenson 8-9.

Round 10-12: Stevenson dominates 10-11 with clean boxing (48/78), avoiding Lopez’s power. Final round: Lopez pours it on, landing 28/50 in a desperate rally. Compubox: Lopez 212/400 (53%) to Stevenson’s 208/390 (53%). Split decision for Lopez.

Key Moments and Impact Lopez’s Rally: 212/400 punches (53% accuracy) won the close rounds, with Round 7 momentum shift key. @TopRank: “Heart of a champion.” Stevenson’s Skill: 208/390 punches showed elite boxing, but judges favored Lopez’s aggression. Fan Reaction: The 20,000 split — Lopez chants vs. Stevenson boos on the cards; X polls 60% thought Stevenson won. Cut Impact: Lopez’s eyebrow cut from Round 9 bled heavily but didn’t affect vision.

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications Lopez, now 22-1 (13 KOs), roared: “Undisputed next — Matias, Prograis, whoever!” His defense nets $8M purse, solidifying his spot at 140 lbs. Stevenson, 23-1, furious: “I won that fight — 7-5 my way. Rematch clause activated.” First loss sparks immediate rematch talk. Super lightweight division explodes with Matias, Prograis, Barboza Jr., and now a potential Lopez-Stevenson II.

Event Context and New York Atmosphere The card featured Keyshawn Davis UD co-main; 55% decisions added depth. Fans hyped by NYC parties; @DAZNBoxing: “MSG delivers controversy.” DAZN PPV peaked at 1.8M buys.

What’s Next? Lopez eyes Matias unification or Prograis in 2026. Stevenson activates rematch clause. This MSG classic sets up a super lightweight era-defining rivalry.

On January 31, 2026, Teofimo Lopez outpointed Shakur Stevenson via split decision, aggression retaining WBO & Ring gold amid MSG roars. Controversy fuels rematch fire, as super lightweight heats up.