I'm a former world champion who has faced Shakur Stevenson. Here is what Teofimo Lopez must do to win

Oscar Valdez knows what it takes to take on Shakur Stevenson after going 12 hard rounds with the Newark man back in 2022. 

Then, Valdez was considered a significant threat to Stevenson, but he had no answer when opposed against him and he was outpointed widely on the scorecards as well as being dropped in round six. 

Next week, live on DAZN on January 31, Stevenson will make the leap to super-lightweight as he looks to become world champion against Teofimo Lopez . 

Stevenson begins the fight a small favourite, but he is taking on the biggest test of his career against a man who holds wins over major names such as Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor.  

A win for either man is set to elevate their status massively as the bout is headlining a major show at Madison Square Garden, and both men are promising a big performance as they prepare for battle. 

Valdez, still a contender at super-featherweight, has offered Lopez some advice on what he needs to do to grab victory.  

“If you're gonna set the tone with Shakur then you’re gonna need a gameplan,” said Valdez when speaking to Fight Hub TV. 

“If I’m Teofimo Lopez coach then I’m telling him not to lose focus and not to get frustrated. Stick to the gameplan, whatever gameplan it is. 

“A, B, or C, whatever it is, stick to it and go for him.”

Watch López  vs. Stevenson only on DAZN PPV

Teofimo López and Shakur Stevenson headline the Ring VI fight night in New York, exclusively on DAZN PPV, on January 31, 2026.

Purchase as a one-off PPV, or get included at no extra cost with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription, which includes minimum of 12 PPV events per year, plus another 185 fight nights. Monthly and annual options available.

Sign up for Ultimate for £22.99 in the UK / $44.99 in the U.S. More details here.