DAZN News Exclusive - Lopez vs Stevenson: British star on verge of world title glory makes prediction

Josh Kelly is a big part of a blockbuster night of boxing next week, live on DAZN, as he goes for his first world title against the hard-punching Bakhram Murtazaliev in Newcastle. 

Hours after that, one of the biggest fights that can take place in boxing goes down in New York City as Shakur Stevenson aims to become only the second man after George Kambosos to defeat Teofimo Lopez.

That fight sees two of boxing’s biggest names colliding, and the winner can expect to jump a few places in the pound-for-pound rankings and also lay claim to be the face of American boxing. 

Stevenson enters the bout a small favourite as he looks to protect an unbeaten record and become a four-weight world champion after successful spells in several other weight classes.  

In Lopez, Stevenson is facing a smart fighter who holds wins over great fighters like Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, and it is by far the most significant test of his career so far. 

The fight has the entire boxing world talking, and although Kelly is fully focused on becoming IBF super-welterweight champion next weekend, he has taken some time out from his training schedule to offer his thoughts on Stevenson vs Lopez. 

“I’ve been bouncing back and forth for a couple of weeks now,’ said Kelly during an exclusive sitdown with DAZN News. 

“I’m think Shakur might be really patient, but the other day I was looking at them, and Teofimo is naturally big. Teofimo's boxing IQ is right up there, and people could be underestimating that.  

“I’m leaning more towards Teofimo after watching interviews and stuff, and how relaxed he looks. Teofimo is playing mind games, and Shakur is biting a little bit.”

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 a minimum of 12 PPV events per year, plus another 185 fight nights. Monthly and annual options available.

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