Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson The two enjoyed several successful years working together with promoter Bob Arum.

Under the top banner, Lopez and Stevenson each achieved world honors. Stevenson split from Arum’s company in mid-2024 and Lopez re-signed in 2016, with the pair’s relationship continuing but becoming increasingly strained.

Two top boxers are now preparing to face off this weekend at Madison Square Garden in New York CityLopez puts his WBO super lightweight title on the line against defending WBC lightweight champion Stevenson, who is trying to become a four-division world champion.

Arum, who has worked many of the pair’s matches and is perhaps better suited than most to provide expert input into the upcoming clash, told The Ring what he believes are the important factors.

“It’s an amazing fight. It goes either way. I think unless someone proves they can outsmart Shakur in the ring, it’s going to be hard to fight him. Teofimo has to be able to outsmart him and beat him and not just rely on his physical strength. On his best nights, he can do that. That’s the thing you have to remember – it’s not always his best night.

“I think you’re going to see the best of Teofimo, well-coached, at the top of his game. Whether that’s enough to beat Shakur, we’ll see.”

While Arum may be non-committal, UK star Connor Benn does seem to believe Lopez’s best performance is enough to beat Stevenson, He revealed that he supports a “takeover” to achieve this goal.