Kick off presser
Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
Teofimo Lopez embraces underdog role in Shakur Stevenson clash
Shakur Stevenson and Teofimo Lopez disagree on many things, but both agreed that their opponent has a lot to prove heading into their junior welterweight championship fight on January 31.
Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion who is stepping up to 140lbs to challenge the WBO junior welterweight champion, believes Lopez has yet to face a fighter of his caliber, while Lopez’s camp believes they perform at their best against left-handed boxers.
Both fighters made their case to the public at Wednesday’s press conference at Madison Square Garden in New York City, which is where their fight will take place.
While both champions were on stage, Stevenson had his most spirited back-and-forths with Lopez’s father/trainer Teofimo Snr.
“Teofimo Lopez brings excitement to the sport, every time he comes to fight, he comes to fight. You already know what he does. He’s the best when he’s the underdog. Just to put it out there, we never lost to any southpaw in his career, and I’m talking about the amateurs, over 200 fights. This is not gonna be the number one,” said Teofimo Lopez Snr, listing Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor among their biggest victories against lefties.
“I’m none of them fighters. I think he did some great things against them guys. I’ve seen a lot of weakness in his game too,” shot back Stevenson, 24-0 (11 KOs), of Newark, New Jersey.
“He said Teo never lost to a southpaw. Well, I never lost to an orthodox, so it ain’t no different.”
Those words sparked a verbal sparring session between the two figures.
“The difference is you didn’t fight no elite fighter,” said Lopez Snr.
“I don’t think y’all did either. I didn’t see Lomachenko throw punches for six rounds,” Stevenson shot back.
“Because we froze him. And we’re gonna freeze you too.”
Teofimo Lopez Jnr, 22-1 (13 KOs), for his part, gave Stevenson his credit, calling him “the best fighter on my resume to date.” Sprinkled in among his magnanimous praise were juvenile jokes, like Lopez walking Stevenson into a “jiggle my balls” trap and invoking fellow Brooklynite Mike Tyson’s press conference tirade against Lennox Lewis by promising to “fornicate you ‘til you love me.”
Stevenson, who is a significant betting favorite according to FanDuel at -350, preferred to keep his trash talk focused on boxing.
“I think he don’t realize how good I am. I think come fight night he’s gonna realize that I’m gonna take it to another level that he has never seen before. If he’s expecting the Josh Taylor or Lomachenko fight to happen, it won’t be that type of fight,” said Stevenson.
Lopez wasn’t fazed by the odds, saying that his unpredictable nature works in his favor, as few will be able to guess which version of him will show up on fight night.
“He’s saying this and saying that. But in reality, man, this guy is the best and we’re here to face the best,” said Lopez, a +250 moneyline underdog with that same online betting platform. “We’re defying the odds, we’re against all odds. To DraftKings and all the betting odds out there, make sure you keep the odds highly favored for Shakur. I got a lot of people that are starving and they need to make their money.”
Shakur Stevenson and Teofimo Lopez disagree on many things, but both agreed that their opponent has a lot to prove heading into their junior welterweight championship fight on January 31.
Stevenson, the WBC lightweight champion who is stepping up to 140lbs to challenge the WBO junior welterweight champion, believes Lopez has yet to face a fighter of his caliber, while Lopez’s camp believes they perform at their best against left-handed boxers.
Both fighters made their case to the public at Wednesday’s press conference at Madison Square Garden in New York City, which is where their fight will take place.
While both champions were on stage, Stevenson had his most spirited back-and-forths with Lopez’s father/trainer Teofimo Snr.
“Teofimo Lopez brings excitement to the sport, every time he comes to fight, he comes to fight. You already know what he does. He’s the best when he’s the underdog. Just to put it out there, we never lost to any southpaw in his career, and I’m talking about the amateurs, over 200 fights. This is not gonna be the number one,” said Teofimo Lopez Snr, listing Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor among their biggest victories against lefties.
“I’m none of them fighters. I think he did some great things against them guys. I’ve seen a lot of weakness in his game too,” shot back Stevenson, 24-0 (11 KOs), of Newark, New Jersey.
“He said Teo never lost to a southpaw. Well, I never lost to an orthodox, so it ain’t no different.”
Those words sparked a verbal sparring session between the two figures.
“The difference is you didn’t fight no elite fighter,” said Lopez Snr.
“I don’t think y’all did either. I didn’t see Lomachenko throw punches for six rounds,” Stevenson shot back.
“Because we froze him. And we’re gonna freeze you too.”
Teofimo Lopez Jnr, 22-1 (13 KOs), for his part, gave Stevenson his credit, calling him “the best fighter on my resume to date.” Sprinkled in among his magnanimous praise were juvenile jokes, like Lopez walking Stevenson into a “jiggle my balls” trap and invoking fellow Brooklynite Mike Tyson’s press conference tirade against Lennox Lewis by promising to “fornicate you ‘til you love me.”
Stevenson, who is a significant betting favorite according to FanDuel at -350, preferred to keep his trash talk focused on boxing.
“I think he don’t realize how good I am. I think come fight night he’s gonna realize that I’m gonna take it to another level that he has never seen before. If he’s expecting the Josh Taylor or Lomachenko fight to happen, it won’t be that type of fight,” said Stevenson.
Lopez wasn’t fazed by the odds, saying that his unpredictable nature works in his favor, as few will be able to guess which version of him will show up on fight night.
“He’s saying this and saying that. But in reality, man, this guy is the best and we’re here to face the best,” said Lopez, a +250 moneyline underdog with that same online betting platform. “We’re defying the odds, we’re against all odds. To DraftKings and all the betting odds out there, make sure you keep the odds highly favored for Shakur. I got a lot of people that are starving and they need to make their money.”
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
Carlos Adames vs Austin Williams reportedly joins Lopez vs Stevenson
Carlos Adames could face “Ammo” Williams next month
Broadway Joel, who generally has his finger on the pulse of Dominican boxing, reported earlier today that WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames will defend his title against Austin “Ammo” Williams on the undercard of Teofimo Lopez’s January 31st clash with Shakur Stevenson. The historically reliable Francisco Salazar said the same hours later, so it seems like there’s some meat here.
Williams (19-1, 13 KO) is a legitimate contender, winning three straight since a rough knockout loss to Hamzah Sheeraz and notably beating the very capable Patrice Volny along the way. The problem is that Adames (24-1-1, 18 KO) has a mandatory challenger he’s been avoiding for two full years: Meiirim Nursultanov, whom the WBC have ordered “Bronco” to face no less than two times this year alone. There’s even a newly crowned interim champion in Jesus Ramos, who outclassed Shane Mosley Jr this past weekend.
But nah, why not let Adames, who’s fought four times in the last four years and hasn’t seen action since February, fight no. 6 in the rankings.
What’s so stupid about this isn’t just that the WBC’s going back on a decision they reiterated less than a week ago, as they did when they threw out Jadier Herrera’s planned interim lightweight title bout in favor of letting O’Shaquie Foster win it against Stephen Fulton on Saturday. It’s the fact that the sanctioning bodies need to be on their best behavior right now; TKO’s effort to gut the Ali Act enjoyed bipartisan support at least week’s House Education and Workforce Committee meeting. All signs point to the bill passing without issue if it makes it to the floor.
And yet, despite Dana White giving them an open goal this past Saturday by admitting he doesn’t “give a shit” about the rankings when determining title challengers, Sulaiman seems to have upped his autocracy to ludicrous levels. Fingers crossed this reporting is false.
Carlos Adames could face “Ammo” Williams next month
Broadway Joel, who generally has his finger on the pulse of Dominican boxing, reported earlier today that WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames will defend his title against Austin “Ammo” Williams on the undercard of Teofimo Lopez’s January 31st clash with Shakur Stevenson. The historically reliable Francisco Salazar said the same hours later, so it seems like there’s some meat here.
Williams (19-1, 13 KO) is a legitimate contender, winning three straight since a rough knockout loss to Hamzah Sheeraz and notably beating the very capable Patrice Volny along the way. The problem is that Adames (24-1-1, 18 KO) has a mandatory challenger he’s been avoiding for two full years: Meiirim Nursultanov, whom the WBC have ordered “Bronco” to face no less than two times this year alone. There’s even a newly crowned interim champion in Jesus Ramos, who outclassed Shane Mosley Jr this past weekend.
But nah, why not let Adames, who’s fought four times in the last four years and hasn’t seen action since February, fight no. 6 in the rankings.
What’s so stupid about this isn’t just that the WBC’s going back on a decision they reiterated less than a week ago, as they did when they threw out Jadier Herrera’s planned interim lightweight title bout in favor of letting O’Shaquie Foster win it against Stephen Fulton on Saturday. It’s the fact that the sanctioning bodies need to be on their best behavior right now; TKO’s effort to gut the Ali Act enjoyed bipartisan support at least week’s House Education and Workforce Committee meeting. All signs point to the bill passing without issue if it makes it to the floor.
And yet, despite Dana White giving them an open goal this past Saturday by admitting he doesn’t “give a shit” about the rankings when determining title challengers, Sulaiman seems to have upped his autocracy to ludicrous levels. Fingers crossed this reporting is false.
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
‘This is important fight’: Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson opening press conference
Today was the opening press conference for the upcoming 140 lb title defense between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson on January 31. After some of the suits took their turns speaking on the event, we eventually got to hear a little from the fighters themselves, starting with Shakur.
“I think that he did some great things against [his past opponents]. I seen a lot of weakness is his game, too,” Shakur said of Teofimo. “I didn’t see Lomachenko throw no punches for six rounds.
“I will be 100x better on fight night against Teofimo Lopez than I was against Zepeda, 1000x better, faster, sharper, stronger and mentally more on point and I can’t wait…A lot of his weaknesses is in his mental. I think it’s more mental than anything and I’m going to expose it.
“I want to show the world that I’m the best. After this fight I want to be considered top five pound-for-pound in the sport and I can’t wait to show it. I think he just don’t realize how good I am. I think come fight night he’s going to realize that I’m going to take it to another level that he hasn’t seen before so if he’s expecting the Lomachenko, the Josh Taylor fight to happen, it won’t be that type of fight.”
Teofimo Lopez was then addressed with some pointed questions from Chris Mannix where he shared his thoughts on the upcoming title defense, despite not getting the crowd reception he was hoping for.
“I’m happy. I’m grateful, thankful, blessed, and you know, I’m going to have Shakur jigga-ma,” Lopez began.
“You said you’re going to do what?” Stevenson responded.
“Jigga-ma balls,” Lopez said, as his father basked in satisfaction of Shakur walking straight into that trap. Score one for Team Lopez, I suppose.
“I mean come on, now” Teofimo continued. “He’s saying this, he’s saying that, the third, but in reality this guy is the best and we’re here to face the best. And that’s just what it is, forget the rest…We’re defying the odds, we’re against all odds, and to Draft Kings and to all the betting odds out there, make sure you keep the odds highly favored in Shakur. I got a lot of people that are starving and they need to make their money.”
Turki Alalshikh would then dial up the presser on the phone in order to share some words on the event, with Mannix holding the speakerphone to the microphone. Here, Alalshikh would essentially also express a bit of displeasure with the lack of energy for the press conference while emphasizing the importance of this fight, with the winner to get an even bigger fight afterwards.
“You need to know the result of of this fight, in May there is big fight,” Alalshikh said to the crowd (or lackthereof). “If it is Shakur, there is big fight for Shakur. And if it’s Temolifo, it’s big fight for [him]. This is important fight…This fight is the first step of crazy map of boxing, next year and the beginning of 2017. This is not easy fight. Thank you.”
You can watch the full opening press conference in the video link at the top.
Today was the opening press conference for the upcoming 140 lb title defense between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson on January 31. After some of the suits took their turns speaking on the event, we eventually got to hear a little from the fighters themselves, starting with Shakur.
“I think that he did some great things against [his past opponents]. I seen a lot of weakness is his game, too,” Shakur said of Teofimo. “I didn’t see Lomachenko throw no punches for six rounds.
“I will be 100x better on fight night against Teofimo Lopez than I was against Zepeda, 1000x better, faster, sharper, stronger and mentally more on point and I can’t wait…A lot of his weaknesses is in his mental. I think it’s more mental than anything and I’m going to expose it.
“I want to show the world that I’m the best. After this fight I want to be considered top five pound-for-pound in the sport and I can’t wait to show it. I think he just don’t realize how good I am. I think come fight night he’s going to realize that I’m going to take it to another level that he hasn’t seen before so if he’s expecting the Lomachenko, the Josh Taylor fight to happen, it won’t be that type of fight.”
Teofimo Lopez was then addressed with some pointed questions from Chris Mannix where he shared his thoughts on the upcoming title defense, despite not getting the crowd reception he was hoping for.
“I’m happy. I’m grateful, thankful, blessed, and you know, I’m going to have Shakur jigga-ma,” Lopez began.
“You said you’re going to do what?” Stevenson responded.
“Jigga-ma balls,” Lopez said, as his father basked in satisfaction of Shakur walking straight into that trap. Score one for Team Lopez, I suppose.
“I mean come on, now” Teofimo continued. “He’s saying this, he’s saying that, the third, but in reality this guy is the best and we’re here to face the best. And that’s just what it is, forget the rest…We’re defying the odds, we’re against all odds, and to Draft Kings and to all the betting odds out there, make sure you keep the odds highly favored in Shakur. I got a lot of people that are starving and they need to make their money.”
Turki Alalshikh would then dial up the presser on the phone in order to share some words on the event, with Mannix holding the speakerphone to the microphone. Here, Alalshikh would essentially also express a bit of displeasure with the lack of energy for the press conference while emphasizing the importance of this fight, with the winner to get an even bigger fight afterwards.
“You need to know the result of of this fight, in May there is big fight,” Alalshikh said to the crowd (or lackthereof). “If it is Shakur, there is big fight for Shakur. And if it’s Temolifo, it’s big fight for [him]. This is important fight…This fight is the first step of crazy map of boxing, next year and the beginning of 2017. This is not easy fight. Thank you.”
You can watch the full opening press conference in the video link at the top.
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
Shakur Stevenson: Teofimo Lopez Is Inferior — and so was Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor
Shakur Stevenson respects Vasiliy Lomachenko and everything the three-division champion accomplished in his celebrated career.
The ever-confident Stevenson is certain nonetheless that he is better than the legendary Ukrainian southpaw, particularly the version of Lomachenko that Teofimo Lopez upset in October 2020. The two most significant victories of Lopez’s career came against left-handed opponents in Lomachenko, who was a unified lightweight champion at that time, and Josh Taylor, a former undisputed junior welterweight champ.
Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) promised Lopez during their press conference Wednesday at Madison Square Garden that he won’t add another top southpaw to his list of conquests.
“Teo not on this level,” Stevenson said. “Teo’s a high-level fighter, but he’s not on my level. I’m a elite-level fighter and come January 31st, I'm a show it.”
DAZN’s Chris Mannix, who moderated the press conference for “The Ring 6” main event next month, asked Stevenson to elaborate on why he believes he is a level above Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs).
“Because I've seen him at his best,” Stevenson said. “Against Taylor, against Lomachenko, he was at his very best. That was the best he can do. I don’t think he can do nothing better than that, so what I've seen from [those fights], I feel like I’m way better than them guys.
“With Lomachenko, he didn’t throw punches for six rounds — for six rounds. If you ain’t throw punches for six rounds, and you get in front of me, I just don’t know [what he can do]. I would've beat Lomachenko that night easy, too. That’s how I feel.”
Lomachenko got off to a slow start against Lopez. The two-time Olympic gold medalist’s rally during the second half of their 135-pound championship clash wasn’t nearly enough to avoid a unanimous points loss (119-109, 117-111, 116-112).
Scotland’s Taylor suffered a definitive defeat to Lopez in June 2023 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Lopez topped Taylor by scores of 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113.
Lopez will defend The Ring and WBO junior welterweight crowns he won from Taylor against Stevenson, who owns the WBC lightweight title.
Stevenson, an Olympic silver medalist in 2016, previously won world titles in the featherweight and junior lightweight divisions. The Newark, New Jersey, native is ranked eighth on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list.
FanDuel established Stevenson as more than a 2-1 favorite over Lopez, a former Ring/IBF/WBA/WBO lightweight champ. The 140-pound title bout between these 28-year-old rivals will headline a DAZN Pay-Per-View event.
Shakur Stevenson respects Vasiliy Lomachenko and everything the three-division champion accomplished in his celebrated career.
The ever-confident Stevenson is certain nonetheless that he is better than the legendary Ukrainian southpaw, particularly the version of Lomachenko that Teofimo Lopez upset in October 2020. The two most significant victories of Lopez’s career came against left-handed opponents in Lomachenko, who was a unified lightweight champion at that time, and Josh Taylor, a former undisputed junior welterweight champ.
Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) promised Lopez during their press conference Wednesday at Madison Square Garden that he won’t add another top southpaw to his list of conquests.
“Teo not on this level,” Stevenson said. “Teo’s a high-level fighter, but he’s not on my level. I’m a elite-level fighter and come January 31st, I'm a show it.”
DAZN’s Chris Mannix, who moderated the press conference for “The Ring 6” main event next month, asked Stevenson to elaborate on why he believes he is a level above Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs).
“Because I've seen him at his best,” Stevenson said. “Against Taylor, against Lomachenko, he was at his very best. That was the best he can do. I don’t think he can do nothing better than that, so what I've seen from [those fights], I feel like I’m way better than them guys.
“With Lomachenko, he didn’t throw punches for six rounds — for six rounds. If you ain’t throw punches for six rounds, and you get in front of me, I just don’t know [what he can do]. I would've beat Lomachenko that night easy, too. That’s how I feel.”
Lomachenko got off to a slow start against Lopez. The two-time Olympic gold medalist’s rally during the second half of their 135-pound championship clash wasn’t nearly enough to avoid a unanimous points loss (119-109, 117-111, 116-112).
Scotland’s Taylor suffered a definitive defeat to Lopez in June 2023 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Lopez topped Taylor by scores of 117-111, 115-113 and 115-113.
Lopez will defend The Ring and WBO junior welterweight crowns he won from Taylor against Stevenson, who owns the WBC lightweight title.
Stevenson, an Olympic silver medalist in 2016, previously won world titles in the featherweight and junior lightweight divisions. The Newark, New Jersey, native is ranked eighth on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list.
FanDuel established Stevenson as more than a 2-1 favorite over Lopez, a former Ring/IBF/WBA/WBO lightweight champ. The 140-pound title bout between these 28-year-old rivals will headline a DAZN Pay-Per-View event.
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
Teofimo Lopez labels Stevenson as his best opponent, both sides say each will quit
Teofimo Lopez Jr. sat on the dais reading and writing affirmations from a notebook on Wednesday during a kickoff press conference in New York.
Shakur Stevenson said the writing is already on the wall when it comes to their January 31 fight headlining “The Ring 6” at the Madison Square Garden in New York on DAZN.
“I’ve seen a lot of weaknesses in Teofimo’s game,” said Stevenson. “A lot of the weaknesses are mental. I’m going to expose him. I want to show the world that I am the best. He doesn't realize how good I am. Come fight night, he’s going to realize that I am going to take it to another level that he has never seen before. Teo is a high-level fighter, but he’s not on my level. I am an elite-level fighter.”
Lopez’s father and coach, Teofimo Sr., poured a pot of cold water over Stevenson's proclamations and said they already have him figured out and that he better bring it on fight night with an entertaining effort, and not a boring one that he’s previously been known for.
“You better not throw in the towel,” said Stevenson.
“I bet you're going to quit,” said Teofimo Sr. “You haven't fought an elite fighter.”
Teofimo Jr., meanwhile, was mostly quiet, calculated, and quirky. He lobbed a few lewd jokes and professed his love for the New York Knicks as he occasionally spoke with both hands on his cheeks.
“I think of Shakur as the best fighter on my resume to date,” said Lopez. “We’re two of the guys who everyone says are the best of the best. We’re about to lace it up in the Mecca of boxing. This guy is the best, and we’re here to face the best. We’re against all odds, and defying the odds. [Oddsmakers] should keep the odds highly in Shakur’s favor. I got a lot of people who are starving, and they need to make their money.”
Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) will be defending his Ring and WBO junior welterweight titles against Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs), the WBC lightweight champion who’s stepping up another division looking to seize titles in a fourth weight class.
Lopez is coming off a unanimous decision win in May against Arnold Barboza Jr., while Stevenon last fought in July and beat William Zepeda by unanimous decision as well.
“After this fight, I want to be considered top five pound-for-pound in the sport,” said Stevenson, who’s currently rated No. 8 P4P by The Ring. “I can’t wait to show it. It’s going to be a masterclass performance – and Teofimo Sr. crying after the fight.”
Teofimo Lopez Jr. sat on the dais reading and writing affirmations from a notebook on Wednesday during a kickoff press conference in New York.
Shakur Stevenson said the writing is already on the wall when it comes to their January 31 fight headlining “The Ring 6” at the Madison Square Garden in New York on DAZN.
“I’ve seen a lot of weaknesses in Teofimo’s game,” said Stevenson. “A lot of the weaknesses are mental. I’m going to expose him. I want to show the world that I am the best. He doesn't realize how good I am. Come fight night, he’s going to realize that I am going to take it to another level that he has never seen before. Teo is a high-level fighter, but he’s not on my level. I am an elite-level fighter.”
Lopez’s father and coach, Teofimo Sr., poured a pot of cold water over Stevenson's proclamations and said they already have him figured out and that he better bring it on fight night with an entertaining effort, and not a boring one that he’s previously been known for.
“You better not throw in the towel,” said Stevenson.
“I bet you're going to quit,” said Teofimo Sr. “You haven't fought an elite fighter.”
Teofimo Jr., meanwhile, was mostly quiet, calculated, and quirky. He lobbed a few lewd jokes and professed his love for the New York Knicks as he occasionally spoke with both hands on his cheeks.
“I think of Shakur as the best fighter on my resume to date,” said Lopez. “We’re two of the guys who everyone says are the best of the best. We’re about to lace it up in the Mecca of boxing. This guy is the best, and we’re here to face the best. We’re against all odds, and defying the odds. [Oddsmakers] should keep the odds highly in Shakur’s favor. I got a lot of people who are starving, and they need to make their money.”
Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) will be defending his Ring and WBO junior welterweight titles against Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs), the WBC lightweight champion who’s stepping up another division looking to seize titles in a fourth weight class.
Lopez is coming off a unanimous decision win in May against Arnold Barboza Jr., while Stevenon last fought in July and beat William Zepeda by unanimous decision as well.
“After this fight, I want to be considered top five pound-for-pound in the sport,” said Stevenson, who’s currently rated No. 8 P4P by The Ring. “I can’t wait to show it. It’s going to be a masterclass performance – and Teofimo Sr. crying after the fight.”
Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
Shakur beats Teo whether he boxes from the outside or fights him in the pocket. Teo is athletic with decent power, but Shakur is so much more technically sounds and sharp. I got Shakur winning a easy UD.
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
Bruce Carrington-Carlos Castro January 31 clash set for full WBC 126lbs title
Bruce Carrington won’t have to wait beyond his next fight to upgrade his interim 126lbs title.
He will, however, have to fight for that right.
Boxing Scene has confirmed that Carrington’s planned showdown with Carlos Castro will now come with the vacant WBC featherweight title at stake. Their scheduled 12-round bout will take place as a supporting bout to the January 31 Teofimo Lopez-Shakur Stevenson DAZN pay-per-view main event from Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Carrington, 16-0 (9 KOs), currently holds a secondary version of the WBC 126lbs belt. The previously recognized full titlist was Stephen Fulton, who vacated the title shortly after his 12-round defeat to O’Shaquie Foster well outside the weight division.
Fulton missed weight for a planned challenge of Foster’s WBC 130lbs title and is clearly no longer able to compete at featherweight.
Under normal circumstances, it would mean an instant upgrade for an existing secondary titlist.
However, the WBC instead declared the full title vacant and now up for grabs with this already confirmed matchup.
Brooklyn’s Carrington gets a home game for the occasion. The night will mark his seventh career appearance at an MSG property. His most recent bout came at MSG Theater, where he outpointed unbeaten Mateus Heita to win the WBC interim featherweight belt.
The fight served as the co-feature to Top Rank’s last-ever show on ESPN, the end of its seven-year exclusive output deal with the network. Top Rank has yet to secure a new platform for its massive roster but has managed to piecemeal opportunities for talent such as Carrington.
Castro, 30-3 (14 KOs), will enter his first major title fight, though he doesn’t lack championship-level experience.
Remarkably, the Phoenix-based contender – originally from Mexico – has managed to face three former major titleholders. They have resulted in his three career defeats, all in non-title fights.
He dropped a contentious split decision to former two-division titlist Luis Nery in February 2022, with a suffered first-round knockdown marking the difference on the cards. Castro was then stopped inside of six rounds by Brandon Figueroa in July 2022, in between Figueroa’s separate title tours at 122lbs and 126lbs.
A three-fight win streak followed before Castro’s most recent outing. Many considered him unlucky to not get the nod versus Fulton in their 10-round contest last September 14 in Las Vegas. Castro floored Fulton – in his debut at 126lbs following the end of his unified 122lbs title reign – in the fifth round but still came up just short on two of the three cards.
The loss proved costly, as it was Fulton and not Castro who went on to fight for and win the WBC 126lbs title in his next fight.
Despite having not fought since then, Castro managed to hang around the contender level just long enough to land in the right place at the right time.
Bruce Carrington won’t have to wait beyond his next fight to upgrade his interim 126lbs title.
He will, however, have to fight for that right.
Boxing Scene has confirmed that Carrington’s planned showdown with Carlos Castro will now come with the vacant WBC featherweight title at stake. Their scheduled 12-round bout will take place as a supporting bout to the January 31 Teofimo Lopez-Shakur Stevenson DAZN pay-per-view main event from Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Carrington, 16-0 (9 KOs), currently holds a secondary version of the WBC 126lbs belt. The previously recognized full titlist was Stephen Fulton, who vacated the title shortly after his 12-round defeat to O’Shaquie Foster well outside the weight division.
Fulton missed weight for a planned challenge of Foster’s WBC 130lbs title and is clearly no longer able to compete at featherweight.
Under normal circumstances, it would mean an instant upgrade for an existing secondary titlist.
However, the WBC instead declared the full title vacant and now up for grabs with this already confirmed matchup.
Brooklyn’s Carrington gets a home game for the occasion. The night will mark his seventh career appearance at an MSG property. His most recent bout came at MSG Theater, where he outpointed unbeaten Mateus Heita to win the WBC interim featherweight belt.
The fight served as the co-feature to Top Rank’s last-ever show on ESPN, the end of its seven-year exclusive output deal with the network. Top Rank has yet to secure a new platform for its massive roster but has managed to piecemeal opportunities for talent such as Carrington.
Castro, 30-3 (14 KOs), will enter his first major title fight, though he doesn’t lack championship-level experience.
Remarkably, the Phoenix-based contender – originally from Mexico – has managed to face three former major titleholders. They have resulted in his three career defeats, all in non-title fights.
He dropped a contentious split decision to former two-division titlist Luis Nery in February 2022, with a suffered first-round knockdown marking the difference on the cards. Castro was then stopped inside of six rounds by Brandon Figueroa in July 2022, in between Figueroa’s separate title tours at 122lbs and 126lbs.
A three-fight win streak followed before Castro’s most recent outing. Many considered him unlucky to not get the nod versus Fulton in their 10-round contest last September 14 in Las Vegas. Castro floored Fulton – in his debut at 126lbs following the end of his unified 122lbs title reign – in the fifth round but still came up just short on two of the three cards.
The loss proved costly, as it was Fulton and not Castro who went on to fight for and win the WBC 126lbs title in his next fight.
Despite having not fought since then, Castro managed to hang around the contender level just long enough to land in the right place at the right time.
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
Teofimo Lopez answers whether there is a rematch clause should he lose to Shakur Stevenson
Teofimo Lopez prides himself not only on his ability but on his willingness to back himself against the odds.
The larger-than-life and controversial 28-year-old faces a defining examination of his credentials and legacy when he meets Shakur Stevenson on January 31 at Madison Square Garden.
The biggest fights in boxing are rarely stitched together without the safety net of a rematch clause. Recently, Usyk–Fury and Eubank Jr–Benn have materialised with return bouts already agreed before a punch has been thrown.
Does Lopez–Stevenson have one? Fight Hub TV posed that question to Lopez after the press conference. His response was unequivocal:
“No, no rematch clause. We risk it all the time. No need for a rematch clause.”
Neither Lopez nor Stevenson has contested a rematch in their stellar careers so far. Of their combined 47 bouts, only Lopez has tasted defeat—his upset loss to George Kambosos Jr in November 2021, when the Australian ripped away three lightweight titles.
Teofimo Lopez prides himself not only on his ability but on his willingness to back himself against the odds.
The larger-than-life and controversial 28-year-old faces a defining examination of his credentials and legacy when he meets Shakur Stevenson on January 31 at Madison Square Garden.
The biggest fights in boxing are rarely stitched together without the safety net of a rematch clause. Recently, Usyk–Fury and Eubank Jr–Benn have materialised with return bouts already agreed before a punch has been thrown.
Does Lopez–Stevenson have one? Fight Hub TV posed that question to Lopez after the press conference. His response was unequivocal:
“No, no rematch clause. We risk it all the time. No need for a rematch clause.”
Neither Lopez nor Stevenson has contested a rematch in their stellar careers so far. Of their combined 47 bouts, only Lopez has tasted defeat—his upset loss to George Kambosos Jr in November 2021, when the Australian ripped away three lightweight titles.
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
‘I chose this’: Shakur Stevenson says Teofimo Lopez a welcome test
Shakur Stevenson looks to take his star to the next level.
Here’s some of what he had to say below.
Shakur on making a fight with Teofimo
“I actually set this fight up and I honestly did it because I want to push myself. I know that Teo is a tremendous fighter, I know he’s on an extremely high level. I know that I can beat him but I know that this should be a tough test so I’m ready.”
On what other options he had on the table
“Lamont Roach…[Teofimo has the] bigger name and got the more accolades. He’s been undisputed before, won belts at 130, at 40. He’s just more accomplished so I know that that will be a better name on my resume.
“[The people] are absolutely right to have their opinion [that this will be a hard fight for me]. I already know this guy’s good, I done came up in the amateurs with him. I chose this for that reason. Like, I chose this because I wanted to challenge myself. I want to put myself in a situation where I’m able to raise my game up to another level, so that was my whole purpose.”
On having any concerns about fighting in Teofimo’s home city of New York
“He’s not from New York. But he’s not from New York. He probably was born in New York but being from New York is like I’m raised and I’m brought up in New York. And I known him for years and years and I always seen him out of Florida. Like, that’s where he was out of, Florida. So I don’t look at him like a fighter from New York.
“But do I got to be dominant? I think every fight that I set up, I want to be dominate. I don’t care who in front of me, I want to dominate. I want to beat you where judges don’t feel like they can rob me.”
On what a win over Teofimo does for his career
“I think it put me top five pound-for-pound. I think it puts me like one of the best fighters in my era. I think it just establish that I’m that guy.”
Shakur Stevenson looks to take his star to the next level.
Here’s some of what he had to say below.
Shakur on making a fight with Teofimo
“I actually set this fight up and I honestly did it because I want to push myself. I know that Teo is a tremendous fighter, I know he’s on an extremely high level. I know that I can beat him but I know that this should be a tough test so I’m ready.”
On what other options he had on the table
“Lamont Roach…[Teofimo has the] bigger name and got the more accolades. He’s been undisputed before, won belts at 130, at 40. He’s just more accomplished so I know that that will be a better name on my resume.
“[The people] are absolutely right to have their opinion [that this will be a hard fight for me]. I already know this guy’s good, I done came up in the amateurs with him. I chose this for that reason. Like, I chose this because I wanted to challenge myself. I want to put myself in a situation where I’m able to raise my game up to another level, so that was my whole purpose.”
On having any concerns about fighting in Teofimo’s home city of New York
“He’s not from New York. But he’s not from New York. He probably was born in New York but being from New York is like I’m raised and I’m brought up in New York. And I known him for years and years and I always seen him out of Florida. Like, that’s where he was out of, Florida. So I don’t look at him like a fighter from New York.
“But do I got to be dominant? I think every fight that I set up, I want to be dominate. I don’t care who in front of me, I want to dominate. I want to beat you where judges don’t feel like they can rob me.”
On what a win over Teofimo does for his career
“I think it put me top five pound-for-pound. I think it puts me like one of the best fighters in my era. I think it just establish that I’m that guy.”
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson undercard has been confirmed:
Keyshawn Davis vs Jamaine Ortiz Bruce Carrington vs Carlos Castro Carlos Adames vs Austin Williams Jarrell Miller vs Kingsley Ibeh Ziyad Almaayouf vs Kevin Castillo
Get your Teofimo vs Shakur tickets now: bit.ly/48HATMdThe Ring VI | Exclusively on DAZN | Jan 31st in NYC
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
I hope Ortiz beats Davis.
Solid undercard, though.
Solid undercard, though.
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
Teofimo vs Shakur: Full card announced for January ‘Ring 6’ show
Keyshawn Davis and two world title fights will feature on the Teofimo vs Shakur card.
The full undercard has been announced for the Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson “Ring 6” card set to take place on January 31 at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
Here’s a rundown of the fights currently set. You’ll be able to tell fairly quickly that this is a Top Rank-heavy card, and is officially co-promoted by Top Rank and Matchroom Boxing, backed by the money of Sela, which means means backed by the money of Sela’s partnership with Turki Alalshikh and TKO.
Teofimo vs Shakur undercard lineup
Keyshawn Davis will return and move up to super lightweight to face Jamaine Ortiz. Davis (13-0, 9 KO) started 2025 well, beating Denys Berinchyk for the WBO lightweight title on February 14, but everything else went pretty terribly for him this year. He failed to make weight for his first defense, meaning he had to vacate the belt, then was involved in a backstage altercation with Nahir Albright, who had just beaten Keyshawn’s brother.
Ortiz (20-2-1, 10 KO) is a credible opponent for a move up to 140, and one can hope Davis has put the missteps behind him and can get back to his high-level potential in boxing. If he’s looking for some inspiration, look at the case of David Benavidez, who had multiple issues outside the ring with missing weight and recreational drug test failures, buckled down, got it all back on track, and is now a respected top star.
Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington will face Carlos Castro for the vacant WBC featherweight title. Carrington (16-0, 9 KO) won the interim belt in July, and Stephen Fulton has been stripped after his multi-layered debacle in an attempt to move up to 130 that became the WBC excusing him missing weight and making it an attempt to move up to 135, which still failed because Fulton lost to O’Shaquie Foster.
Castro (30-3, 14 KO) is coming off of a 10-round loss to Fulton, but that will be two-and-a-half years ago by the time this bout rolls around, so he’s something of an odd choice for a vacant world title fight, considering he’s 0-3 against real contenders in his career. Well, he would be an odd choice if boxing functioned with any semblance of logic. It’s not that odd for boxing.
Another WBC title will be on the line, as Carlos Adames will defend his middleweight title against Austin “Ammo” Williams. Adames (24-1-1, 18 KO) has a pretty decent argument as the sport’s top middleweight right now, what with Janibek Alimkhanuly’s failed drug test. Williams (19-1, 13 KO) is getting his first crack at a world title, having won three straight after a loss to Hamzah Sheeraz in 2024.
Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller will also be back, as the controversial hefty heavyweight takes on Kinglsey Ibeh, with the idea pretty obviously to get Miller (26-1-2, 22 KO) his first win since 2023, and possibly find him a money fight after that. Ibeh (16-2-1, 14 KO) made some brief waves on Top Rank’s “Bubble” cards in 2020, and has won 11 straight since then, fighting in Mexico five times, the U.S. five times, and most recently in Nicaragua. He’s been competing at a pretty low level, but he’s a big dude, tough, and can throw some heat, it could be an entertaining big boy battle.
Saudi Arabian-born Ziyad Almaayouf will also fight again. The 25-year-old “prospect is 7-0-1 (1 KO) and will take on Kevin Castillo (5-2-1, 0 KO), a 29-year-old club fighter born in Ecuador, representing Spain, and living, it seems, in Miami. He’s 0-2-1 in his last three. It’s another Almaayouf fight like the rest we’ve seen, but the guy gives effort, at least.
Keyshawn Davis and two world title fights will feature on the Teofimo vs Shakur card.
The full undercard has been announced for the Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson “Ring 6” card set to take place on January 31 at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
Here’s a rundown of the fights currently set. You’ll be able to tell fairly quickly that this is a Top Rank-heavy card, and is officially co-promoted by Top Rank and Matchroom Boxing, backed by the money of Sela, which means means backed by the money of Sela’s partnership with Turki Alalshikh and TKO.
Teofimo vs Shakur undercard lineup
Keyshawn Davis will return and move up to super lightweight to face Jamaine Ortiz. Davis (13-0, 9 KO) started 2025 well, beating Denys Berinchyk for the WBO lightweight title on February 14, but everything else went pretty terribly for him this year. He failed to make weight for his first defense, meaning he had to vacate the belt, then was involved in a backstage altercation with Nahir Albright, who had just beaten Keyshawn’s brother.
Ortiz (20-2-1, 10 KO) is a credible opponent for a move up to 140, and one can hope Davis has put the missteps behind him and can get back to his high-level potential in boxing. If he’s looking for some inspiration, look at the case of David Benavidez, who had multiple issues outside the ring with missing weight and recreational drug test failures, buckled down, got it all back on track, and is now a respected top star.
Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington will face Carlos Castro for the vacant WBC featherweight title. Carrington (16-0, 9 KO) won the interim belt in July, and Stephen Fulton has been stripped after his multi-layered debacle in an attempt to move up to 130 that became the WBC excusing him missing weight and making it an attempt to move up to 135, which still failed because Fulton lost to O’Shaquie Foster.
Castro (30-3, 14 KO) is coming off of a 10-round loss to Fulton, but that will be two-and-a-half years ago by the time this bout rolls around, so he’s something of an odd choice for a vacant world title fight, considering he’s 0-3 against real contenders in his career. Well, he would be an odd choice if boxing functioned with any semblance of logic. It’s not that odd for boxing.
Another WBC title will be on the line, as Carlos Adames will defend his middleweight title against Austin “Ammo” Williams. Adames (24-1-1, 18 KO) has a pretty decent argument as the sport’s top middleweight right now, what with Janibek Alimkhanuly’s failed drug test. Williams (19-1, 13 KO) is getting his first crack at a world title, having won three straight after a loss to Hamzah Sheeraz in 2024.
Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller will also be back, as the controversial hefty heavyweight takes on Kinglsey Ibeh, with the idea pretty obviously to get Miller (26-1-2, 22 KO) his first win since 2023, and possibly find him a money fight after that. Ibeh (16-2-1, 14 KO) made some brief waves on Top Rank’s “Bubble” cards in 2020, and has won 11 straight since then, fighting in Mexico five times, the U.S. five times, and most recently in Nicaragua. He’s been competing at a pretty low level, but he’s a big dude, tough, and can throw some heat, it could be an entertaining big boy battle.
Saudi Arabian-born Ziyad Almaayouf will also fight again. The 25-year-old “prospect is 7-0-1 (1 KO) and will take on Kevin Castillo (5-2-1, 0 KO), a 29-year-old club fighter born in Ecuador, representing Spain, and living, it seems, in Miami. He’s 0-2-1 in his last three. It’s another Almaayouf fight like the rest we’ve seen, but the guy gives effort, at least.
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
Teofimo Lopez beats Shakur Stevenson if he fights like he did vs. Loma, says 140-pound champion
Gary Antuanne Russell is welcoming the mega matchup between Teofimo Lopez Jr. and Shakur Stevenson on January 31 with open arms.
Russell (18-1, 17 KOs) is the WBA junior welterweight titleholder, and Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) is The Ring and WBO 140-pound champion defending his titles against the division debutant Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs).
If Russell is able to get past his yet-to-be rescheduled fight against Andy Hiraoka, he’ll be in a prime position for a title unification fight against the winner.
But for now, Russell is flexing his muscles as an analyst and offering a prediction on how he envisions the fight unfolding.
“It's a 50-50 fight, and it depends on what fighter shows up the night of the fight,” Russell told reporters.
“They both have a high level of confidence. Naturally, I think Teofimo is stronger and has more athleticism than Shakur. Teofimo has a good IQ on the sport itself. But Shakur, I feel like he's a smarter and more technical fighter. I'm not saying he's a square, or a textbook fighter, but he's seasoned and poised. I feel like he’s mentally more mature. He doesn't go outside of the boundaries, or take risks. A lot of the time you'll see him fight stiffer competition and it will wind up being a boring fight, to a degree. That's why everyone is criticizing him. He's a careful fighter. Against Teofimo, I feel that he’s going to be a careful fighter. And just because he’s a careful fighter, it doesn't mean that he isn't punctual with how he does things. Shakur has a lot in his arsenal that he can use to make him victorious, as does Teofimo.
“If I had to give you my honest opinion, if Teofimo shows up and is ready to fight, just like how he fought against Vasiliy Lomachenko, he'll win.”
Lopez’s career-best performance against Lomachenko arrived over five years ago. He’s since suffered the lone loss of his career against George Kambosos Jr. in 2021 and looked vulnerable at times in fights, most notably against Sandor Martin in 2022. Lopez is coming off a unanimous decision win against Arnold Barboza in May.
Stevenson, meanwhile, fought out of his comfort zone and scored a convincing unanimous decision win against William Zepeda in July to defend his WBC lightweight title.
Gary Antuanne Russell is welcoming the mega matchup between Teofimo Lopez Jr. and Shakur Stevenson on January 31 with open arms.
Russell (18-1, 17 KOs) is the WBA junior welterweight titleholder, and Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) is The Ring and WBO 140-pound champion defending his titles against the division debutant Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs).
If Russell is able to get past his yet-to-be rescheduled fight against Andy Hiraoka, he’ll be in a prime position for a title unification fight against the winner.
But for now, Russell is flexing his muscles as an analyst and offering a prediction on how he envisions the fight unfolding.
“It's a 50-50 fight, and it depends on what fighter shows up the night of the fight,” Russell told reporters.
“They both have a high level of confidence. Naturally, I think Teofimo is stronger and has more athleticism than Shakur. Teofimo has a good IQ on the sport itself. But Shakur, I feel like he's a smarter and more technical fighter. I'm not saying he's a square, or a textbook fighter, but he's seasoned and poised. I feel like he’s mentally more mature. He doesn't go outside of the boundaries, or take risks. A lot of the time you'll see him fight stiffer competition and it will wind up being a boring fight, to a degree. That's why everyone is criticizing him. He's a careful fighter. Against Teofimo, I feel that he’s going to be a careful fighter. And just because he’s a careful fighter, it doesn't mean that he isn't punctual with how he does things. Shakur has a lot in his arsenal that he can use to make him victorious, as does Teofimo.
“If I had to give you my honest opinion, if Teofimo shows up and is ready to fight, just like how he fought against Vasiliy Lomachenko, he'll win.”
Lopez’s career-best performance against Lomachenko arrived over five years ago. He’s since suffered the lone loss of his career against George Kambosos Jr. in 2021 and looked vulnerable at times in fights, most notably against Sandor Martin in 2022. Lopez is coming off a unanimous decision win against Arnold Barboza in May.
Stevenson, meanwhile, fought out of his comfort zone and scored a convincing unanimous decision win against William Zepeda in July to defend his WBC lightweight title.
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
‘The Ring 6’ January 31 card in full:
Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson
12 x 3 WBO and The Ring Junior Welterweight Titles
Keyshawn Davis vs Jamaine Ortiz
12 x 3 Junior Welterweight Contest
Bruce Carrington vs Carlos Castro
12 x 3 WBC World Featherweight Title
Carlos Adames vs Austin Williams
12 x 3 WBC World Middleweight Title
Jarrell Miller vs Kingsley Ibeh
10 x 3 Heavyweight Contest
Ziyad Almayouf vs Kevin Castillo
8 x 3 Welterweight Contest
Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson
12 x 3 WBO and The Ring Junior Welterweight Titles
Keyshawn Davis vs Jamaine Ortiz
12 x 3 Junior Welterweight Contest
Bruce Carrington vs Carlos Castro
12 x 3 WBC World Featherweight Title
Carlos Adames vs Austin Williams
12 x 3 WBC World Middleweight Title
Jarrell Miller vs Kingsley Ibeh
10 x 3 Heavyweight Contest
Ziyad Almayouf vs Kevin Castillo
8 x 3 Welterweight Contest
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
Five years after loss to one Big Baby, Kingsley Ibeh takes on another
When Kingsley Ibeh lost to Jared “Big Baby” Anderson, it was a harsh spotlight on what he didn’t yet have as a professional boxer.
But when Ibeh takes on Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller later this month – on the January 31 undercard of Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson – he hopes the fight will show how much he has grown since then.
Ibeh was only 18 months into his professional career when he fought Anderson in February 2021 – and before that, Ibeh had played football in college and for a short time on a professional team in Canada. So he lacked a true amateur pedigree, relying on his power and size, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in the 270s and 280s.
Ibeh lost his second pro fight via split decision to a 4-2 foe, fought Guido Vianello to a draw in his seventh outing, and then was a mere 5-1-1 when he took on the 7-0 Anderson.
While they had the same number of fights in the paid ranks, Anderson had a better pedigree, was being featured more prominently, and got the desired result. Anderson shut out Ibeh through five rounds and stopped him in the sixth.
“I lost the fight with Anderson before I went into the ring,” Ibeh said in a press release. “I was inexperienced, especially compared to his background. I was in pursuit of greatness but was only in my eighth fight after turning pro. I lost because I didn’t give myself time to grow. I learned that boxing is more mental than physical.”
Ibeh is a 32-year-old from Nigeria and living in Phoenix, Arizona. He is now 16-2-1 (14 KOs), riding an 11 fight winning streak that includes 10 victories by way of knockout. In his most recent outing, Ibeh dispatched 21-6-1 former title challenger Gerald Washington via third-round TKO in September.
“What I’ve improved the most is in angles,” Ibeh said. “I don’t want my opponent to see my punches coming. Now I understand the game; it’s not all physical and more like a chess match. I’m also more confident because I know what to do. I even like getting hit, going toe-to-toe, because blood gets me going. It gets me excited – even if it’s my own. I know it only takes one punch to land for it to cost me a fight.”
He will be taking on an experienced and potentially dangerous opponent in Miller, who has never quite reached the heights initially expected of him.
Miller, 26-1-2 (22 KOs), infamously missed out on an opportunity to fight Anthony Joshua in June 2019 due to testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Andy Ruiz instead replaced Miller and upset Joshua to win three heavyweight titles.
That wasn’t Miller’s first time running afoul of drug tests either. He had also tested positive for a banned substance while competing as a kickboxer in 2014. And he would go on to fail another drug test in boxing ahead of a scheduled July 2020 bout with Jerry Forrest.
Miller at last returned to the ring in 2022, won three fights and then was stopped by Daniel Dubois in the final seconds of the final round of their match in December 2023. That was followed by Miller’s most recent outing, a draw with Ruiz in August 2024.
Miller is from Brooklyn; this show is taking place one borough over at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. But Ibeh’s team at Toro Promotions predicts their man will leave New York City as the triumphant hero.
“Kingsley isn’t the same fighter who fought Anderson at MGM Grand,” Whit Haydon, a matchmaker for Toro Promotions, said in the press release. “Ibeh took a tough fight. The media and fans are always complaining about fighters picking and choosing their handpicked opponents, but when a fighter takes a tough fight like Kingsley did and loses, you get punished into a long rebuild. Ibeh was relatively new to boxing [...] he was a football player. It took five long years for him to get here, and Ibeh’s plan is to leave the Big Apple as a star.”
When Kingsley Ibeh lost to Jared “Big Baby” Anderson, it was a harsh spotlight on what he didn’t yet have as a professional boxer.
But when Ibeh takes on Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller later this month – on the January 31 undercard of Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson – he hopes the fight will show how much he has grown since then.
Ibeh was only 18 months into his professional career when he fought Anderson in February 2021 – and before that, Ibeh had played football in college and for a short time on a professional team in Canada. So he lacked a true amateur pedigree, relying on his power and size, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in the 270s and 280s.
Ibeh lost his second pro fight via split decision to a 4-2 foe, fought Guido Vianello to a draw in his seventh outing, and then was a mere 5-1-1 when he took on the 7-0 Anderson.
While they had the same number of fights in the paid ranks, Anderson had a better pedigree, was being featured more prominently, and got the desired result. Anderson shut out Ibeh through five rounds and stopped him in the sixth.
“I lost the fight with Anderson before I went into the ring,” Ibeh said in a press release. “I was inexperienced, especially compared to his background. I was in pursuit of greatness but was only in my eighth fight after turning pro. I lost because I didn’t give myself time to grow. I learned that boxing is more mental than physical.”
Ibeh is a 32-year-old from Nigeria and living in Phoenix, Arizona. He is now 16-2-1 (14 KOs), riding an 11 fight winning streak that includes 10 victories by way of knockout. In his most recent outing, Ibeh dispatched 21-6-1 former title challenger Gerald Washington via third-round TKO in September.
“What I’ve improved the most is in angles,” Ibeh said. “I don’t want my opponent to see my punches coming. Now I understand the game; it’s not all physical and more like a chess match. I’m also more confident because I know what to do. I even like getting hit, going toe-to-toe, because blood gets me going. It gets me excited – even if it’s my own. I know it only takes one punch to land for it to cost me a fight.”
He will be taking on an experienced and potentially dangerous opponent in Miller, who has never quite reached the heights initially expected of him.
Miller, 26-1-2 (22 KOs), infamously missed out on an opportunity to fight Anthony Joshua in June 2019 due to testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. Andy Ruiz instead replaced Miller and upset Joshua to win three heavyweight titles.
That wasn’t Miller’s first time running afoul of drug tests either. He had also tested positive for a banned substance while competing as a kickboxer in 2014. And he would go on to fail another drug test in boxing ahead of a scheduled July 2020 bout with Jerry Forrest.
Miller at last returned to the ring in 2022, won three fights and then was stopped by Daniel Dubois in the final seconds of the final round of their match in December 2023. That was followed by Miller’s most recent outing, a draw with Ruiz in August 2024.
Miller is from Brooklyn; this show is taking place one borough over at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. But Ibeh’s team at Toro Promotions predicts their man will leave New York City as the triumphant hero.
“Kingsley isn’t the same fighter who fought Anderson at MGM Grand,” Whit Haydon, a matchmaker for Toro Promotions, said in the press release. “Ibeh took a tough fight. The media and fans are always complaining about fighters picking and choosing their handpicked opponents, but when a fighter takes a tough fight like Kingsley did and loses, you get punished into a long rebuild. Ibeh was relatively new to boxing [...] he was a football player. It took five long years for him to get here, and Ibeh’s plan is to leave the Big Apple as a star.”
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
‘I know he can’t beat me’: Shakur Stevenson looks forward to Teofimo Lopez fight
Shakur Stevenson believes Teofimo Lopez’s style plays right into his hands.
Here’s some excerpts from Shakur below.
Shakur on how he’s been feeling heading into Teofimo showdown
“I’ve been feeling good. I’ve been sharp, I’ve been focused. Training camp going well, so now we just wait on the day. I’m ready, I’m definitely coming to shock the world.”
On their past sparring experience
“We sparred like three rounds…It was cool, it wasn’t really too much to gauge from. So we got in there, I feel like I got off. He probably feel like he did something. So, from my memory — like I said, I know he can’t beat me. That’s what I feel like.”
On how he assesses Teofimo’s style
“I think he the truth. He do a lot of things well. I think he’s flashy. I think it’s just some basic stuff where I feel like he make mistakes and I feel like I’m going to capitalize on those mistakes.
“I’m competitive, bro. So, it’s like I want to be the best. So when I see certain guys and I seen Teo’s last fight, I was there front row, I was like ‘damn this dude is like a baby Roy (Jones).’…I thought it was cool so it kind of made me want to get in the ring with him to see if he could do them things against my style.”
On his performance against Zepeda
“Honestly, I think that style-wise Zepeda’s style is the style that’s supposed to give me the most trouble. Like, guys that box and give me time to think is guys that’s going to have a fit with me all night. But the guys who press me and put me against the ropes and throw a million punches, that’s the style that’s supposed to give me trouble. So, I went out there and prevailed against that style and now I’m fighting against a boxer, which for me just makes it more fun. I don’t have to deal with a guy that’s trying to wear me down so much. Now I got to do what I do best: play chess. So I can’t wait.”
On what is going to give Teofimo problems in the ring
“We all know that he had problems with people that move around the ring. He want people to stand in front of him and he can pick them apart when you stand right there in front of him. But I plan on — I’m not going to say the game plan but I plan on doing a little bit of both. I don’t plan on just moving around, I don’t plan on just standing in front. I plan on doing everything that it takes to win.
“Teo is a helluva fighter, I understand that, but I don’t think none of these dudes are on my level when I’m at my best. So, he got a lot to deal with come January 31st.”
Shakur Stevenson believes Teofimo Lopez’s style plays right into his hands.
Here’s some excerpts from Shakur below.
Shakur on how he’s been feeling heading into Teofimo showdown
“I’ve been feeling good. I’ve been sharp, I’ve been focused. Training camp going well, so now we just wait on the day. I’m ready, I’m definitely coming to shock the world.”
On their past sparring experience
“We sparred like three rounds…It was cool, it wasn’t really too much to gauge from. So we got in there, I feel like I got off. He probably feel like he did something. So, from my memory — like I said, I know he can’t beat me. That’s what I feel like.”
On how he assesses Teofimo’s style
“I think he the truth. He do a lot of things well. I think he’s flashy. I think it’s just some basic stuff where I feel like he make mistakes and I feel like I’m going to capitalize on those mistakes.
“I’m competitive, bro. So, it’s like I want to be the best. So when I see certain guys and I seen Teo’s last fight, I was there front row, I was like ‘damn this dude is like a baby Roy (Jones).’…I thought it was cool so it kind of made me want to get in the ring with him to see if he could do them things against my style.”
On his performance against Zepeda
“Honestly, I think that style-wise Zepeda’s style is the style that’s supposed to give me the most trouble. Like, guys that box and give me time to think is guys that’s going to have a fit with me all night. But the guys who press me and put me against the ropes and throw a million punches, that’s the style that’s supposed to give me trouble. So, I went out there and prevailed against that style and now I’m fighting against a boxer, which for me just makes it more fun. I don’t have to deal with a guy that’s trying to wear me down so much. Now I got to do what I do best: play chess. So I can’t wait.”
On what is going to give Teofimo problems in the ring
“We all know that he had problems with people that move around the ring. He want people to stand in front of him and he can pick them apart when you stand right there in front of him. But I plan on — I’m not going to say the game plan but I plan on doing a little bit of both. I don’t plan on just moving around, I don’t plan on just standing in front. I plan on doing everything that it takes to win.
“Teo is a helluva fighter, I understand that, but I don’t think none of these dudes are on my level when I’m at my best. So, he got a lot to deal with come January 31st.”
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
Teofimo Lopez: No one is like Shakur Stevenson, that makes the fight exciting
Teofimo Lopez Jr. realizes that Shakur Stevenson is a one-of-one.
Just how stiff the test will be remains to be seen as they move closer to their January 31 tilt to headline The Ring 6 card at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs), The Ring and WBO junior welterweight champion, will try to stave off Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs), the WBC lightweight champion and the No. 8-ranked pound-for-pound fighter who’s on a quest to become a four-division champion.
“They had to bring a lightweight to try and dethrone Teofimo because they had no other options. What I am is far better and greater than what they know,” Lopez told reporters.
“This means everything to me. Shakur is another fighter and another column to add to my pedigree. I'm thankful, and I want more.
“But no one is like Shakur Stevenson, and that's what makes the fight even more exciting.”
Lopez said he’s been recruiting sparring partners who both move around and stay in the pocket. During camp, Lopez said he’s focusing on working on his range, distance, and establishing a comfort zone to be even more capable for the clash.
“My best attribute in my skillset is my footwork,” said Lopez. “I'm looking forward to seeing how much I am going to develop going against a fighter like him, and what I learned from my previous professional fights.”
Lopez has been victorious in convincing fashion the previous two times he’s been projected to lose, when he beat Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020 and Josh Taylor in 2023.
Oddsmakers favor Stevenson by a long stretch this time around, too. Stevenson is a -295 betting favorite compared to the +225 underdog Lopez, according to DraftKings.
Lopez is confident, however, the fight will go his way and that a sequel won’t be required.
“There is no rematch clause,” said Lopez. “There is no need for it. We risk it all, all the time. We've been ready to fight for a long time, and we're here now.”
The matchup could also mark Lopez’s last dance at 140 pounds, a division he’s competed in since 2022.
“All the roads lead to a bigger fight between [WBO welterweight champion] Devin Haney and me,” said Lopez. “Let's see who we get after this. We have to keep it going. We are not even in our prime yet.”
Teofimo Lopez Jr. realizes that Shakur Stevenson is a one-of-one.
Just how stiff the test will be remains to be seen as they move closer to their January 31 tilt to headline The Ring 6 card at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs), The Ring and WBO junior welterweight champion, will try to stave off Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs), the WBC lightweight champion and the No. 8-ranked pound-for-pound fighter who’s on a quest to become a four-division champion.
“They had to bring a lightweight to try and dethrone Teofimo because they had no other options. What I am is far better and greater than what they know,” Lopez told reporters.
“This means everything to me. Shakur is another fighter and another column to add to my pedigree. I'm thankful, and I want more.
“But no one is like Shakur Stevenson, and that's what makes the fight even more exciting.”
Lopez said he’s been recruiting sparring partners who both move around and stay in the pocket. During camp, Lopez said he’s focusing on working on his range, distance, and establishing a comfort zone to be even more capable for the clash.
“My best attribute in my skillset is my footwork,” said Lopez. “I'm looking forward to seeing how much I am going to develop going against a fighter like him, and what I learned from my previous professional fights.”
Lopez has been victorious in convincing fashion the previous two times he’s been projected to lose, when he beat Vasiliy Lomachenko in 2020 and Josh Taylor in 2023.
Oddsmakers favor Stevenson by a long stretch this time around, too. Stevenson is a -295 betting favorite compared to the +225 underdog Lopez, according to DraftKings.
Lopez is confident, however, the fight will go his way and that a sequel won’t be required.
“There is no rematch clause,” said Lopez. “There is no need for it. We risk it all, all the time. We've been ready to fight for a long time, and we're here now.”
The matchup could also mark Lopez’s last dance at 140 pounds, a division he’s competed in since 2022.
“All the roads lead to a bigger fight between [WBO welterweight champion] Devin Haney and me,” said Lopez. “Let's see who we get after this. We have to keep it going. We are not even in our prime yet.”
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
JARRELL MILLER SLAMS 'INSURANCE SALESMAN' KINGSLEY IBEH, SAYS KNOCKOUT IS COMING
The bout between Jarrell Miller and Kingsley Ibeh is a fight featuring multihyphenates.
Miller (26-1-2, 22 KOs) has transitioned from a kickboxing, Muay Thai, and jiu jitsu career in recent years to become a full-time professional boxer.
Ibeh (16-2, 14 KOs) is a former football player turned insurance salesman now making a claim as a heavyweight contender.
The loser of the January 31 clash will be left contemplating their career once the action concludes at Madison Square Garden in New York as part of The Ring 6 show.
"I have a street mentality – nobody selling insurance is going to beat me," Miller said on "Inside The Ring."
"I'm a big guy, but I am coming to bang and win fights … I've been a fighter since I was 14. Yes, I've had my speed bumps in life, but I keep pushing to get better and better."
The besmirched 'Big Baby' Miller is looking to revive his career and set himself up for one last run at 37 after performance enhancing drug issues derailed his climb and canceled fights against Anthony Joshua in 2019 and Jerry Forrest the following year.
Miller has boxed just five times since 2018 and is winless in his last two bouts, a knockout loss against Daniel Dubois in 2023 and a majority draw against Andy Ruiz in 2024, a bout many believe Miller did enough to win.
Miller's career was further derailed last year when planned fights against the likes of Fabio Wardley, Michael Hunter and Derek Chisora were all scrapped. Miller said he incurred nearly $200,000 in costs preparing for the trio of fights that never happened.
"I looked at my kids and said, ‘God has a plan for me, and I'm not quitting,’” said Miller. “I can't quit on my dreams because my kids will look at me and say, 'daddy, what happened?' I stay grounded and keep my faith in God. I'm a soldier and stay grounded to my family."
Miller still mans the mic like a master and can talk his way into any matchup. He's hoping a win against the largely unknown Ibeh will help build some serious momentum to set himself up for fights against former heavyweight champions Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Joshua.
"I'm coming into the ring to knock dudes out," said Miller. "I have a do-or-die attitude. I feel amazing in this camp, and am going to knock Kingsley out."
The bout between Jarrell Miller and Kingsley Ibeh is a fight featuring multihyphenates.
Miller (26-1-2, 22 KOs) has transitioned from a kickboxing, Muay Thai, and jiu jitsu career in recent years to become a full-time professional boxer.
Ibeh (16-2, 14 KOs) is a former football player turned insurance salesman now making a claim as a heavyweight contender.
The loser of the January 31 clash will be left contemplating their career once the action concludes at Madison Square Garden in New York as part of The Ring 6 show.
"I have a street mentality – nobody selling insurance is going to beat me," Miller said on "Inside The Ring."
"I'm a big guy, but I am coming to bang and win fights … I've been a fighter since I was 14. Yes, I've had my speed bumps in life, but I keep pushing to get better and better."
The besmirched 'Big Baby' Miller is looking to revive his career and set himself up for one last run at 37 after performance enhancing drug issues derailed his climb and canceled fights against Anthony Joshua in 2019 and Jerry Forrest the following year.
Miller has boxed just five times since 2018 and is winless in his last two bouts, a knockout loss against Daniel Dubois in 2023 and a majority draw against Andy Ruiz in 2024, a bout many believe Miller did enough to win.
Miller's career was further derailed last year when planned fights against the likes of Fabio Wardley, Michael Hunter and Derek Chisora were all scrapped. Miller said he incurred nearly $200,000 in costs preparing for the trio of fights that never happened.
"I looked at my kids and said, ‘God has a plan for me, and I'm not quitting,’” said Miller. “I can't quit on my dreams because my kids will look at me and say, 'daddy, what happened?' I stay grounded and keep my faith in God. I'm a soldier and stay grounded to my family."
Miller still mans the mic like a master and can talk his way into any matchup. He's hoping a win against the largely unknown Ibeh will help build some serious momentum to set himself up for fights against former heavyweight champions Tyson Fury, Deontay Wilder, and Joshua.
"I'm coming into the ring to knock dudes out," said Miller. "I have a do-or-die attitude. I feel amazing in this camp, and am going to knock Kingsley out."
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
Shakur Stevenson finally secures star-making shot vs. Lopez, promises to seize it
Shakur Stevenson kept calling out the competition. Teofimo Lopez Jr. finally answered.
After years of yearning for a career-defining fight, Stevenson finally got the mega matchup he was looking for, and now he’ll meet The Ring and WBO junior welterweight champion Lopez on January 31 to headline The Ring 6 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
“I've been thinking about fighting him since the amateurs,” Stevenson said during a recent face-to-face conversation with Lopez on DAZN. “I admired the type of boxer he was. He had the skillset to shine. I wanted to see myself against that. … If you look in and around my weight class, I can't get the other fighters to get in the ring.”
As he became a 126-, 130- and 135-pound champion, Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) started screaming from the mountaintops calling for clashes against the likes of Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia and Vasiliy Lomachenko.
But he could lure none of them into the ring. Instead, Stevenson had to settle for a group that’s headlined with wins against William Zepeda, Josh Padley, Robson Conceicao, Oscar Valdez and Jamel Herring.
“A lot of people didn't give me the opportunity to show [my] greatness,” said Stevenson. “A lot of fighters either ducked or found the business way not to get in front of me. Teo gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I've been building my career, and the moment has come. Teofimo was willing to do it, and now we're here. I'm turned up. Let's go get it.
“I fight whatever style is needed to win. I hope they expect a better version of me on fight night. I want to prove how great I am. After I get out of the ring, I want everyone to talk about how I am that guy. I am coming to put on a show.”
Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs), who has a history of taking on tough challenges, as evidenced by his victories over Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, proved to be an exception.
Now, the underdog Lopez is ready to “break the bank” and give Stevenson a “rude awakening.”
“It's the best fighting the best. You see Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez fighting each other, and you want to emulate that,” said Lopez. “Shakur is a great fighter. We can't say we are the best and not test it. My goal is to defend my throne. I can’t call it ‘the takeover’ and have someone take it over.”
Shakur Stevenson kept calling out the competition. Teofimo Lopez Jr. finally answered.
After years of yearning for a career-defining fight, Stevenson finally got the mega matchup he was looking for, and now he’ll meet The Ring and WBO junior welterweight champion Lopez on January 31 to headline The Ring 6 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
“I've been thinking about fighting him since the amateurs,” Stevenson said during a recent face-to-face conversation with Lopez on DAZN. “I admired the type of boxer he was. He had the skillset to shine. I wanted to see myself against that. … If you look in and around my weight class, I can't get the other fighters to get in the ring.”
As he became a 126-, 130- and 135-pound champion, Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) started screaming from the mountaintops calling for clashes against the likes of Gervonta Davis, Devin Haney, Ryan Garcia and Vasiliy Lomachenko.
But he could lure none of them into the ring. Instead, Stevenson had to settle for a group that’s headlined with wins against William Zepeda, Josh Padley, Robson Conceicao, Oscar Valdez and Jamel Herring.
“A lot of people didn't give me the opportunity to show [my] greatness,” said Stevenson. “A lot of fighters either ducked or found the business way not to get in front of me. Teo gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I've been building my career, and the moment has come. Teofimo was willing to do it, and now we're here. I'm turned up. Let's go get it.
“I fight whatever style is needed to win. I hope they expect a better version of me on fight night. I want to prove how great I am. After I get out of the ring, I want everyone to talk about how I am that guy. I am coming to put on a show.”
Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs), who has a history of taking on tough challenges, as evidenced by his victories over Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, proved to be an exception.
Now, the underdog Lopez is ready to “break the bank” and give Stevenson a “rude awakening.”
“It's the best fighting the best. You see Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez fighting each other, and you want to emulate that,” said Lopez. “Shakur is a great fighter. We can't say we are the best and not test it. My goal is to defend my throne. I can’t call it ‘the takeover’ and have someone take it over.”
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Re: Shakur Stevenson vs. Teofimo Lopez | DAZN - January 31, 2026
KEYSHAWN DAVIS ON 'THE RING 6' CARD: I REALLY FEEL LIKE I’M CARRYING THIS PROMOTION
Keyshawn Davis believes his presence on “The Ring 6” card has given the show the promotional jolt it needs leading up to January 31.
The former WBO lightweight champion contended during an interview with The Ring that his return to action after self-destructive behavior cost him a 135-pound title seven months ago has generated the type of attention this DAZN Pay-Per-View event would otherwise lack. Davis emphasized that he meant no disrespect to his close friend, Shakur Stevenson, or Teofimo Lopez, who will meet in the 12-round main event a week from Saturday night.
Davis (13-0, 9 KOs, 1 NC) will make his debut as a full-fledged junior welterweight when he squares off with Jamaine Ortiz (20-2-1, 10 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature before Lopez defends his Ring and WBO 140-pound championships versus Stevenson.
“I’m just being myself, honestly, bro,” Davis told The Ring. “I feel like, honestly, I’m doing a lotta promotion for this fight, bro. I feel like every time I go on social media the first thing I see is my face, somebody clipping me from a interview or somebody clipping my vlogs or somebody taking a clip from my Instagram and putting it on Twitter. Like I really feel like I’m carrying this promotion, this card.
“Like almost everything is damn near about me and my return. Shakur and Teo are big names, so I’m not saying that, you know, a lotta people aren’t coming to watch them. But I can also say a lotta people is coming to watch me as well. So, I just gotta keep being myself, bro, and as long as I keep being myself, I’m gonna be a superstar.”
There is widespread interest in the boisterous Davis, who came in 4.3 pounds overweight for what was scheduled as his first defense of the WBO lightweight title June 7 in his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. Sampson Lewkowicz, the former promoter of Edwin De Los Santos (17-2, 15 KOs), wouldn’t allow the Dominican contender to move forward with their bout because he felt it would’ve been excessively dangerous due to Davis’ weight advantage.
Their fight was canceled June 6. The next night, Davis got into an altercation with a previous opponent, Nahir Albright, in Albright’s locker room after Albright beat his older brother, Kelvin Davis, by majority decision on the card Keyshawn Davis was supposed to headline at Scope Arena.
A regretful Davis divulged during a recent “All The Smoke Fight” podcast interview with Hall-of-Famers Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. that drinking alcohol “every single day” while training for the De Los Santos bout was part of the reason he came in so heavy.
Davis, 26, hasn’t fought in the 11 months since he demolished then-unbeaten Ukrainian Denys Berinchyk on February 14 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The 2021 Olympic silver medalist dropped Berinchyk (19-1, 9 KOs) twice and knocked him out in the fourth round to win the WBO lightweight title.
DraftKings nonetheless lists Davis as more than a 4-1 favorite to defeat Ortiz, of Worcester, Massachusetts. Ortiz, 29, has lost only unanimous decisions to Lopez and retired three-division champ Vasiliy Lomachenko in competitive 12-round bouts.
“The Ring 6” can be bought on pay-per-view for $69.99 in the United States and £24.99 in the United Kingdom. The card headlined by Lopez-Stevenson is included in DAZN’s Ultimate monthly plan for subscribers ($44.99 in the U.S.; £24.99 in the UK).
Keyshawn Davis believes his presence on “The Ring 6” card has given the show the promotional jolt it needs leading up to January 31.
The former WBO lightweight champion contended during an interview with The Ring that his return to action after self-destructive behavior cost him a 135-pound title seven months ago has generated the type of attention this DAZN Pay-Per-View event would otherwise lack. Davis emphasized that he meant no disrespect to his close friend, Shakur Stevenson, or Teofimo Lopez, who will meet in the 12-round main event a week from Saturday night.
Davis (13-0, 9 KOs, 1 NC) will make his debut as a full-fledged junior welterweight when he squares off with Jamaine Ortiz (20-2-1, 10 KOs) in the 12-round co-feature before Lopez defends his Ring and WBO 140-pound championships versus Stevenson.
“I’m just being myself, honestly, bro,” Davis told The Ring. “I feel like, honestly, I’m doing a lotta promotion for this fight, bro. I feel like every time I go on social media the first thing I see is my face, somebody clipping me from a interview or somebody clipping my vlogs or somebody taking a clip from my Instagram and putting it on Twitter. Like I really feel like I’m carrying this promotion, this card.
“Like almost everything is damn near about me and my return. Shakur and Teo are big names, so I’m not saying that, you know, a lotta people aren’t coming to watch them. But I can also say a lotta people is coming to watch me as well. So, I just gotta keep being myself, bro, and as long as I keep being myself, I’m gonna be a superstar.”
There is widespread interest in the boisterous Davis, who came in 4.3 pounds overweight for what was scheduled as his first defense of the WBO lightweight title June 7 in his hometown of Norfolk, Virginia. Sampson Lewkowicz, the former promoter of Edwin De Los Santos (17-2, 15 KOs), wouldn’t allow the Dominican contender to move forward with their bout because he felt it would’ve been excessively dangerous due to Davis’ weight advantage.
Their fight was canceled June 6. The next night, Davis got into an altercation with a previous opponent, Nahir Albright, in Albright’s locker room after Albright beat his older brother, Kelvin Davis, by majority decision on the card Keyshawn Davis was supposed to headline at Scope Arena.
A regretful Davis divulged during a recent “All The Smoke Fight” podcast interview with Hall-of-Famers Andre Ward and Roy Jones Jr. that drinking alcohol “every single day” while training for the De Los Santos bout was part of the reason he came in so heavy.
Davis, 26, hasn’t fought in the 11 months since he demolished then-unbeaten Ukrainian Denys Berinchyk on February 14 in The Theater at Madison Square Garden. The 2021 Olympic silver medalist dropped Berinchyk (19-1, 9 KOs) twice and knocked him out in the fourth round to win the WBO lightweight title.
DraftKings nonetheless lists Davis as more than a 4-1 favorite to defeat Ortiz, of Worcester, Massachusetts. Ortiz, 29, has lost only unanimous decisions to Lopez and retired three-division champ Vasiliy Lomachenko in competitive 12-round bouts.
“The Ring 6” can be bought on pay-per-view for $69.99 in the United States and £24.99 in the United Kingdom. The card headlined by Lopez-Stevenson is included in DAZN’s Ultimate monthly plan for subscribers ($44.99 in the U.S.; £24.99 in the UK).