Lopez vs Stevenson predictions: DAZN News experts pick their winner

Teofimo Lopez  and  Shakur Stevenson  headline the tantalising  The Ring 6 fight card , in what has the makings of an instant classic with the  WBO super-lightweight title  on the line.

Live and exclusive on DAZN PPV from 6pm ET, 3pm PT, 11pm GMT, Lopez, 22-1 (13 KOs) defends his crown on the back of six impressive victories since his surprise loss to George Kambosos Jr. in 2021.

Saturday represents a complete new level in challenge against the unbeaten, three-weight world champion Stevenson, 24-0 (11 KOs).

It's Lopez's power and pace against Stevenson's science  and patience. Add in it's New York versus New Jersey at Maddison Square Garden and it has all the elements to be a humdinger of a battle.

So, who wins? Our boxing experts have been giving their predictions.

• Buy now here: Ring 6 - Lopez vs. Stevenson PPV for $69.99 / £24.99 or get a two PPV bundle for 20% off 

Lopez vs Stevenson predictions - who wins?

Matt Astbury

Prediction: Stevenson by decision 

After weeks of constantly changing my mind, I’m picking Stevenson to beat Lopez.

This fight will be a tight one, both fighters are at the top of their game, but I think Stevenson’s ability to seize control early on will give him the upper hand against a Lopez who has flaws.

Lopez is an entertaining fighter, but this can leave him open, and Stevenson only needs a split second to land those punches which can decide a fight.

As proven in previous outings, Lopez can struggle against southpaws, and Stevenson is one of the best in the world, therefore, he will fancy his chances against his New York rival.

While I can’t see a knockout, I expect Stevenson to win on the judges’ scorecards.

Steve Muehlhausen

Prediction: Lopez by unanimous decision 

This will be one of the best fights of the year after it is all said and done.

You have styles that complement each other more than you think. One of the keys is going to be patience, especially on the side of Lopez. He can't come right at Stevenson as the lightweight champion will expose him quickly. 

Lopez has been in these moments under the bright lights in the biggest moments and delivered against Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor. Stevenson hasn't had that moment because he hasn't been tested.

He wiped away the boring fighter label against William Zepeda in July. The moment shouldn't get to him. 

It's hard to go against Stevenson, but there's something different about Lopez. He's calm, cool, and collected.

That's a side never seen from him. He rises to the occasion every time. He gets up for the big fights, and this will be no different. 

Cris Esqueda / Matchroom Boxing

Chris Walker

Prediction: Stevenson by split decision 

Is there a right answer when predicting a winner in this superbly matched contest between two of boxing’s best fighters in Lopez and Stevenson? Both men could easily have the nod from people making their selection.

This will come down to who starts quickest and does not have to chase their opponent in the latter stages as that is when either man could lose control.

Lopez has made excellent starts when securing the biggest wins of his career against Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, and that is the direction he will need to head in on Saturday night.

The problem though is Stevenson will likely be aware of this, and he will also want to make an instant impression against the bigger man from Brooklyn.

The pick is for both fighters to have their moments in a highly tactical battle with Stevenson getting the verdict by the narrowest of margins with Lopez extremely unfortunate not to get his hand raised.

• Lopez vs. Stevenson 12/1 ACCA with DAZN - read more here

Mark Lelinwalla

Prediction: Stevenson by unanimous decision 

As crafty, cunning and explosive as Lopez can be in the pocket, I see Stevenson using his educated jab - the best in boxing - to pick him off in traffic and broker his ring real estate with masterful spacing and outpointing.

Lopez will have his moments of getting to Stevenson, but the latter's brand of hit and don't get hit sweet science will point his way to victory round after round toward a decision win and career-defining win.

Chris Oliver

Prediction: Stevenson by unanimous decision 

This is a superb matchup between two of the best fighters America has to offer right now.

Lopez has a habit of rising to the big occasion, but he will need to be at his very best to beat Shakur Stevenson.

Stevenson has never even looked like losing in his rapid rise to becoming a three-weight world champion and he can pick up a belt in a fourth division now.

The betting odds may be a little wider than expected for what should be a cracking battle between two highly-skilled operators, but the superb all-round game of Stevenson can be enough for him to land a decision victory in what is likely to be a contest of the highest order.

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.

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.

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