The highly anticipated championship match pits boxer Teofimo Lopez against ultimate ring technician Shakur Stevenson. Shakur is the betting favorite due to his superior skill set, but Teofimo is an absolute dog.

When the lights are bright, Teofimo Lopez steps up. As early as October 2020, Lopez shocked the world by defeating Vasily Lomachenko and winning the WBA, WBO and boxing ring lightweight titles.

Three years later, Lopez defeated Josh Taylor to win the WBO and The Ring super lightweight titles. Lopez subsequently successfully defended his world title three times.

Now, Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) will defend his title for the fourth time against the best lightweight in the world. Reigning WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson moved up to 140 to challenge himself because he wants to face all the top fighters.

Shakur Stevenson is an elite boxing technician with a well-trained jab, speed, accuracy, footwork, excellent punch variation and tight defense. Throughout his 24-fight career, Stevenson regularly beat his opponents.

Like a Major League Baseball pitcher, Shakur will dictate the tempo, control the distance and execute the shutout. Some of his opponents were lucky enough to win a round or two.

Shakur has beaten quality opponents, but Teofimo Lopez is definitely the most talented competitor Shakur has ever faced. Teofimo’s best attributes are his speed, athleticism and explosiveness.

To successfully defend his title, Teofimo must remain disciplined throughout the 12 rounds. He must break the habit of overcommitment and overcommitment.

On the offensive end, Teofimo Lopez must control the tempo of the game through front-foot confrontation. Lopez has to be efficient as it involves cutting off the rim and taking advantage of a controlled offense. Lopez’s main goal is to get Stevenson out of his comfort zone.

Left-hander Shakur Stevenson won the game with his performance. Use constant movement to control the center of the ring, thrust, contact the body, and counterattack in time.

Saturday night’s main event is a very interesting fight as it features Shakur’s fundamentals versus Teofimo’s unorthodox athleticism. Conventional wisdom would have you think Shakur’s command would lead him to victory.

On the other hand, Teofimo’s unorthodox style and his athleticism could cause problems. Another factor that could be problematic is Lopez’s punching ability.

Will Teofimo Lopez put another big name on his resume Saturday night at Madison Square Garden? Or will Shakur Stevenson reach the top and become a four-division world champion?