Teofimo Lopez needs to make one crucial change if he is to beat Shakur Stevenson says Malik Scott

Saturday's WBO and Ring Magazine super lightweight title fight between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson is proving tough to call. 

Broadcast exclusively live on DAZN PPV, Lopez and Stevenson are both at the peak of their powers, and their meeting at Madison Square Garden is a genuine 50-50 fight. 

Therefore, many are expecting a tense tactical battle between the two, and one which will likely go the distance. 

It will come down to fine margins if the judges' scorecards come into play, and former Deontay Wilder trainer Malik Scott believes that Stevenson can exploit a huge flaw in Lopez.

'Stevenson has one of the best jabs in boxing'

Appearing on the latest edition of Inside The Ring, Scott spoke about where this weekend's main event could be won and lost. 

First, he focused on Stevenson and highlighted his jab as "one of the best jabs in the business", and how it gives him a distinct advantage over his opponents. 

"Shakur has one of the best jabs in the business in my opinion, especially from a southpaw standpoint," Scott said. 

"As fighters have this rocking back and forth before their offense, Shakur always catches it and hits you with the jab. He has a great measure of distance and he has great timing.

"This is something Teo has to avoid."

How does Lopez combat Stevenson's jab? 

Moving on to Lopez, Scott showed that Lopez often finds himself susceptible to jabs from a southpaw. 

Analysing footage from Lopez's win over Jamaine Ortiz in 2024, the former found himself frequently on the wrong end of Ortiz's jab. 

Scott then revealed this was due to Lopez having his lead hand down, something which he labelled a "tragedy".

"When Teo was going against Ortiz, he was fighting a southpaw with the lead hand down, that’s a tragedy," continued Scott.

"Why is it a tragedy, because you’re closer to the opponent’s lead hand and don’t forget Shakur has a very good jab.

"Teo with his lead hand down is open to the jab. I highly recommend that he approaches Shakur going into offense with his lead hand up."

If Lopez and his team have recognised this flaw, and have encouraged the defending world champion to keep his lead hand up, then it will put him in good stead to topple Stevenson who is considered one of the best pound-for-pound fighters on the planet. 

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, this Saturday, January 31.

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