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Shakur Stevenson described his dominant victory over Teófimo López as the product of discipline, preparation and years of studying his opponent, after producing what many observers viewed as the finest performance of his career at Madison Square Garden.
The unbeaten American outboxed López over 12 rounds to become a four-division world champion, a moment Stevenson said validated his long-held belief that he belonged among boxing’s elite.
“All glory to God. It was an amazing night,” Stevenson said. “I put the work in. I stayed disciplined throughout my camp. I was in tremendous shape. He’s a hell of a fighter, but I was the better man tonight.”
Stevenson said he felt in control early in the fight and believed he had mentally and physically broken down López well before the final bell.
“Yeah, I definitely did,” he said when asked if he felt he had demoralized his opponent. “I feel like he’s a fighter, so he tried to fight back, but yeah, I picked him apart.”
The 28-year-old said he also sensed a physical edge during the fight, recalling a moment early on when he realized he was stronger than the champion.
“In the second round, I told my corner, I said, I’m stronger than he is,” Stevenson said.
Stevenson credited his tactical preparation as a decisive factor, saying extensive film study helped him anticipate López’s movements and tendencies.
“I studied them. I studied them all,” Stevenson said. “Everything I saw on tape was there tonight. There is benefits from watching tape.”
That preparation was particularly evident in Stevenson’s use of the jab, which he repeatedly used to control distance and disrupt López’s rhythm.
“I told my team before the fight, I said I got one of the best jabs in the world,” Stevenson said. “Tonight I went out there and used my jab over and over and made it a weapon, and he couldn’t stop it.”
Despite entering the fight having spoken openly about wanting a stoppage, Stevenson said he had no regrets about winning by decision against a durable opponent.
“There’s no disappointment. It’s boxing at the end of the day,” he said. “When I was about to stop him, he started fighting back a little bit. So respect to him. He’s a sharp fighter. He got a lot of knowledge, and he did what he had to do to survive.”
Stevenson framed the victory as a defining career moment, particularly given the age and pedigree of his opponent.
“I told everybody my moment was gonna come,” Stevenson said. “I’ve been calling people out. Teo took the bait. Finally somebody took the bait. I’ve been begging for this moment. We finally got it.”
He also suggested the win could mark the beginning of a new phase in his career as he pursues the biggest fights available.
“I’m into big fights. I like big fights. I like big money fights. I like proving that I’m the best,” Stevenson said. “I like doing things that people say I can’t do.”
Among the potential future opponents raised after the fight was Britain’s Conor Benn, who climbed into the ring moments after the decision was announced, briefly facing off with Stevenson as the crowd reacted.
Stevenson indicated he would be open to the bout if terms could be agreed.
“I’m into big fights. I like big money fights. I like proving that I’m the best,” Stevenson said. “There’s a lot of people that say I’m too little for Conor Benn and I can’t do it – so it makes for a tremendous fight.”
But Stevenson suggested negotiations could hinge on weight and contractual terms.
“If he’s not going to agree, then we probably don’t fight,” Stevenson said. “I’m a businessman at the end of the day.”
Looking ahead more broadly, Stevenson said his next move would be determined by a balance of legacy and financial opportunity rather than a specific opponent.
“I gotta go back to the drawing board and get in front of my management team and see who is going to bring the biggest money fight and the biggest legacy fight,” he said.
For Stevenson, Saturday’s performance represented more than another title win – it was confirmation that he belongs at the very top of the sport.
“For sure,” he said when asked if he believes he is now one of boxing’s central figures. “I just stayed steady. I told everybody my moment was gonna come.”
