Technologist Shakur will look to exploit Theo’s biggest weakness, which is his lack of mobility in the ring. Lopez struggled to cut off the rim against Xander Martin and Jermaine Ortiz, and his offense was very limited. Teofimo’s offensive performance was the lowest of his career, failing to land 100 punches in two games.

He landed less than 25 percent of his punches against Martin and Ortiz, whose defensive skills were high but not at the level of Stevenson, who is considered the best defensive boxer in the world.

Shakur’s opponents’ overall catch rate is 16.7%, one of the best in the sport. In his last fight against William Zepeda, the high-punching fighter threw nearly 1,000 punches but only landed 27.8% of his punches (Compubox).

Stevenson will control distance by strategically using his agility and speed to deliver precision strikes while getting out of range before Lopez can counter. If he can execute this strategy, he will beat Te’o in the technical competition.

Lopez looked focused at the Boxing Week event and promised to put on a show. During Thursday’s press conference, he hurled personal insults at Shakur in an effort to anger him in hopes of getting him to change his game plan on fight day.

Lopez knew he would fare much better in the match if he faced an aggressive Stevenson and traded firefights with him rather than overpowering him in a technical chess match.

Teofimo is very good inside and has the advantage of being a stronger, bigger fighter. This is Shakur’s first fight at 140 pounds and he will be tested against Teofimo
Who would look for a landing by timing his arrival.

If Lopez can’t effectively cut off the ring with Shakur, he’ll have a hard time finding target and landing his punches.