Stevenson blew Teofimo away. It was possible not to give Lopez a single round at all The final score of the match is 119–109. That is, one round was given to Teofimo by each of the side judges. However, this could not be done. It’s just that some more equal round went to Lopez as a champion in a situation where the contender hits a little less than before.
At the same time, it cannot be said that Stevenson surprised. Did we know he has a great jab? Yes, of course. Did we know this guy can deliver punches with speed and precision? If you have seen at least one of his fights – yes. Did a front sidekick or a backhand to the stomach surprise him? You can definitely say no – because this is generally traditional boxing from Stevenson.
But Teofimo Lopez was surprised by all this. And this is surprising, because all this was previously demonstrated by his opponent in the ring. It cannot even be said that he greatly improved any of the indicators.
Stevenson has improved, except in terms of physical readiness. Never before had an American shown his strength. Even with opponents like Pedley, Shakur is usually too cautious. Stands the distance, works carefully and accurately, but without risk. This time, he fought quite confidently against an opponent who was noticeably taller than him in the shoulders and, most likely, weighed more. However, it didn’t help Lopez in the moments when he found himself next to the face.
It is important to note that there were not many such moments. As well as any successful moments of Teofimo Lopez in general. The American was definitely doing something. However, Shakura looked too slow in the background. All his mobility on his legs disappeared somewhere. Maneuverability did not show its nose at all. The force of the blow did not work even when Teofimo began to reach his opponent’s stomach more often.
To be honest, everything became clear before half of the meeting. Lopez was disassembled and broken. Blood appeared on the face due to the dissection above the left eye. There, Teofimo was injured when he was defeated by George Kambosos – then Lopez conceded for the first time in his professional career.
There was no chance to change anything. Going forward wouldn’t help, because Shakur just wouldn’t let him. It would not have been possible to counterattack, because he did not have time. Commentators on the DAZN streaming service, which broadcast the event, said that Teofimo’s father was giving him silly advice: “Show strength, show power.” But what else could Lopez Jr. do?
He did not have the speed to fight the opponent in this component. Did not have the strength to deliver a blow from a distance. Shots in the body were not impressive. And the work of the legs was inferior to the same in the visage. So what should have been done?
Lopez lost without a chance, and 119-109 is another gift. It could have been worse. If the side judges had given it 120-108, no one would have protested, that’s for sure.
Getty Images/Global Images Ukraine What now? It could be said that Teofimo Lopez lost to a stronger opponent. That this is normal and not scary. However, the first is simply a fact. And the second for the 28-year-old champion is at least unpleasant. He will be treated a little differently. There will always be proof that there is someone stronger.
They don’t say that about Kambosos. Except when they want to make Lopez salty. Because then Teofimo was sick, he did not prepare well. The coronavirus was in an active phase, which he caught and did not recover from. And the weight was no longer his.
The problem this time is that Lopez has been at this weight for a long time. He fought with the debutant of the category, being in the status of champion. And not just a champion, but a boxer who has been defending his title for a long time and successfully competes in the first welterweight division.
He was beaten by an opponent whom he promised to knock out. And besides, he himself did not invent absolutely anything to stop him.
As bad as it is for Teofimo, it’s just as good for Shakur Stevenson. He finally proved his level in a fight with an uncomfortable opponent. And, taking into account the previous victories, the resume of the American is growing before our eyes.
Then he can, for example, stay in the first welterweight. Defend and combine titles here. Good category, good opposition. And besides, he himself looks even better. Or, for example, return to lightweight and unify the titles there. However, given the condition of Jervonta Davis, who can go to prison for even 13-15 years, there may not be maximum money fights there.
Another option is Conor Benn, who climbed into the ring after the duel with Lopez and declared that Shakur was too small for him. However, this is partly true. Conor rose to the middle division, boxing traditionally in the welterweight division. And Stevenson climbed to the first welterweight and is not a very big boxer here.
So this is, as of now, more of a theoretical meeting than a real one.
Source: sport.ua