The great Bernard Hopkins one of the best middleweights in history was on hand on the red carpet to give his take on Stevenson vs Lopez.
Shakur Stevenson vs Teofimo Lopez throw down tonight in the big fight in New York.
Between two of America’s biggest boxing stars.
Hopkins while speaking with Fight Hype and others on the red carpet said:
“You know, this is a throwback matchup—Teofimo Lopez versus Shakur Stevenson. Teofimo comes with that pressure, that aggression, that power, that ‘I want to make a statement’ mentality. He’s got the heavy hands, he’s explosive, and he likes to come forward and break you down. Shakur, on the other hand, is slick, he’s elusive, he’s got that great defense, great footwork, and he boxes smart. He’s not gonna stand there and trade with you; he’s gonna make you miss, counter, and frustrate you.But let me tell you something: power changes fights. Teofimo’s power is real—if he lands clean, it can change everything. Shakur’s got to be careful not to get caught because one shot can end your night. Shakur’s style is to stay on the outside, use the jab, move, control the pace. He’s disciplined, he’s patient, and he’s got that amateur background that makes him hard to hit.In my assessment, this is gonna be a chess match early, but Teofimo will try to close the distance and make it ugly. Shakur will try to keep it at range and pick him apart. I think Shakur’s movement and IQ give him the edge—he’s too smart, too quick, and he won’t let Teofimo get off. Teofimo might have moments, but Shakur’s gonna be victorious. I got Shakur Stevenson winning this, and I don’t think it’s gonna be an easy night for Teofimo. Shakur takes it on points, maybe a wide decision, because he outboxes him and stays out of trouble.”
There you have it from the genius that is Hopkins himself.
More and more think Stevenson will overcome the weight jump and move up in weight to use his boxing and be sharp from round one.
Stevenson can’t afford to start slow against such an erratic, all over the place Lopez lately.
He must be on point right from that first bell.
Here was Terence Crawford’s take on Stevenson vs Lopez in boxing tonight.
