Teofimo Lopez defends his WBO super lightweight world title against three-weight world champion, Shakur Stevenson in an eagerly-anticipated showdown in New York on Saturday.
Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) makes a fourth defence of his belt against Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) at Madison Square Garden, live on DAZN pay-per-view.
‘The Takeover’, a former unified champion at lightweight, won the title he defends on Saturday with a superb display against Josh Taylor in 2023.
The 28-year-old has flattered to deceive at times during his reign, particularly against Jamaine Ortiz, but he did look close to his best form, as he dominated Arnold Barboza Jr at Times Square last May.
Stevenson is the reigning WBC lightweight titlist, but moves up five pounds in a bid to become a four-division world champion.
The undefeated 28-year-old has proven a difficult puzzle to solve and he enhanced his credentials further in July when he overcame William Zepeda by unanimous decision in July.
The Newark southpaw will look to hand his rival a first defeat since his loss to George Kambosos Jr in 2021.
Prediction: Lopez generally steps-up to his competition and I expect him to run Stevenson close, but Stevenson’s superior boxing ability should see him win on points.
Davis returns against Ortiz
Keyshawn Davis makes his long-awaited return against the aforementioned Jamaine Ortiz.
Davis (13-0, 9 KOs) was making serene progress in the professional ranks, winning the WBO lightweight world title.
However, his career derailed dramatically after missing weight for a title defence against Edwin De Los Santos in June, with the bout cancelled.
The 26-year-old was then involved in a melee backstage following his brother Kelvin’s defeat to Nahir Albright.
‘The Businessman’ looks to get his career back on track though and begins life at super lightweight against Ortiz (20-2-1, 10 KOs).
The 29-year-old ran both Lopez and Vasiliy Lomachenko close in two decision defeats and is likely to provide the Norfolk man with a stern test.
Prediction: Davis should return to the fold with a points victory.
Adames meets Williams
Carlos Adames defends his WBC middleweight world title against Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams.
Adames (24-1-1, 18 KOs) retained his belt last February, but was held to a split decision draw against Hamzah Sheeraz in Riyadh.
Williams (19-1, 13 KOs) has rebuilt after an emphatic stoppage loss to Sheeraz, winning three on the bounce.
Prediction: Adames is a step-up in competition from the level Williams has operated at recently and can win by decision here.
Carrington challenges for maiden world title
Bruce Carrington looks to claim a maiden world title when he challenges Carlos Castro for the vacant WBC featherweight crown.
Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs) is undefeated in 16 professional bouts, dominating Mateus Heita in July to secure the WBC interim title.
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Castro (30-3, 14 KOs) also challenges for a first world title and is coming off a split decision loss to Stephen Fulton, who vacated the belt he vies for on Saturday, in December.
Prediction: I expect Carrington to become the new world champion here and achieve the feat by stoppage.
Remaining Undercard
Jarrell Miller (26-1-2, 22 KOs) returns for the first time since a contentious, majority draw with Andy Ruiz Jr in August 2024, when he faces Kingsley Ibeh (16-2-1, 14 KOs) in a 10-round heavyweight clash.
Prediction: Miller can remove Ibeh from battle before the end of the 10th round.
Saudi Arabian super lightweight, Ziyad Almaayouf (7-0-1, 1 KO) should remain unbeaten with a points success over Kevin Castillo (5-2-1).
