TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON 140LBS WEIGH-IN, PRESSER, FACEOFF SHOW, PREVIEW SHOW, PREDICTIONS, BETTING ODDS & HOW TO WATCH
By Robert Brizel, Head Real Combat Media Boxing Correspondent
New York, NY (January 29th, 2026)--DAZN Presents Ring VI Lopez vs. Stevenson Madison Square Garden Card Top Rank, Ring Magazine, and DAZN will present The Ring VI, an eight-bout card of professional boxing at Madison Square Garden on Friday, January 31, 2026, featuring the historic 12-round Ring Magazine and World Boxing Organisation World Super Lightweight championship bout between Teofimo Lopez, 28, (22-1, 13 Kos) and Shakur Stevenson, 28 (24-0, 11 Kos).
Boxing history will be made as Lopez, 28, faces Stevenson, also 28, on Saturday at Madison Square Garden. This 12-round junior welterweight fight features Lopez’s size advantage, having fought at 140 pounds since 2022, against Stevenson’s technical skill as he moves up from 135 pounds to compete for the WBO and lineal 140-pound world titles.
DAZN featuring Stevenson versus Lopez is the first promoted super bout of 2026, featuring the BoxRec number one of one division versus the BoxRec number one of the other division.
Current betting odds favor Shakur Stevenson at -340 to -350, with Teofimo Lopez at +230 to +250 as the underdog. Odds of a draw are 15/1. DAZN Bet has Stevenson winning by decision at odds of 4/9, while a Lopez knockout is a long shot at 13/2.
Both won their last fight by 12 rounds unanimous decision. Stevenson defended his lightweight title over 33-0 William Zepeda Segura of Mexico in a tough battle where Stevenson took risks and was forced to fight in the pocket.
Teofimo Lopez was spectacular in his last fight and defended his super lightweight title over 32-0 Arnold Barboza Jr. of Los Angeles, California at Times Square in NYC in 2025.
This fight is as tactical as it gets in boxing. To retain his titles, Lopez must leverage his natural size and strength while maintaining tactical discipline to avoid being outboxed. He must fight dirty at times and get Stevenson out of his game and prevent him from developing rhythm and mastering distance.
Lopez cannot afford to chase Stevenson recklessly, which would play into the challenger’s counterpunching rhythm. He must use intelligent footwork to close off exits with angles with feint variety and force Stevenson into ‘dead zones’ where he can land meaningful power shots. Basically, he must trap Stevenson against the ropes and be the intelligent aggressor.
Many experts suggest a body attack first approach, targeting Stevenson’s shoulders, biceps, and midsection. This can slow Stevenson, a mobile southpaw, down and make him more susceptible to head shots in the later rounds.
Lopez needs to be athletically aggressive, using explosive bursts rather than reckless charging in, to rough up Stevenson and disrupt his timing. Lopez does have the faster hands and must use good timing without getting significantly counterpunched.
Lopez has a habit of fighting with his lead hand down, which leaves him open to a southpaw’s jab. Keeping his lead hand up will be crucial to neutralizing Stevenson’s most reliable weapon.
Stevenson aims to become a four-division world champion by relying on his historical ability to be the least hit fighter in boxing. To win, Stevenson must find his range with a consistent jab to keep Lopez at a distance and frustrate the champion.
Former coaches suggest Stevenson cannot just potshot his way to a victory. He must increase his punch volume and dominate the center of the ring to make his rounds undeniable to judges. He must not allow himself to get backed up against the ropes.
Stevenson’s path to a decision win relies on avoiding toe-to-toe brawls. He needs to stay at mid-range, using his superior reflexes and footwork to counter Lopez’s entries. This will be a battle of the front feet, as to who can best control their opponent’s front foot.
The southpaw, Stevenson, showed a more aggressive, risk-taking style in his recent victory over William Zepeda. Mixing this newfound aggression with his classic defensive shell could prevent Lopez from ever getting comfortable. Stevenson is widely viewed as the more technically polished pure boxer; Lopez is viewed as the naturally larger man who has proven he can decode master technicians in the past, such as Vasiliy Lomachenko. Most analysts predict a close decision win for Stevenson if he can control the distance, but a stoppage victory for Lopez if he can turn the match into a brawl. Knockdowns and point deductions could affect scoring.
This reporter favors Shakur Stevenson to win by decision. Stevenson is favored for his hard work ethic, preparations, discipline, superior ring generalship, and defensive skills. Former world champion Mikey Garcia favors Lopez, stating Lopez has size at 5’9 ½ and 68 ½ reach, over Stevenson at 5’8″ and 68 inches of reach. The size and reach differential, in and of itself, is not significant enough to give Lopez the advantage alone, unless he can work the slight advantage to his advantage.
The fight is considered a battle of Stevenson’s technical skill versus the explosive power of Lopez. However…….who knows? Lopez has been the underdog before and has lost as the favorite. Lopez might thrive here as the totally underestimated fighter, or might benefit from his experience in the slightly higher weight class. Anything can happen, despite the ring analysis favoring Stevenson overall. The better game plan could determine the winner.
Former World Light heavyweight Champion Antonio Tarver favors Shakur Stevenson, who tends to take fights longer and turns bouts in his favor. If Lopez can somehow control the ring and back Shakur up, taking control of the ring with ring generalship and consistent combinations, the outcome could be a close but unanimous decision for Lopez. Most experts weigh heavily on which fighter does more work and wants it more. The fight, viewed as exciting by some experts on paper, has other experts considering whether Teofimo versus Shakur could evolve into a boring technical bout of wits.
All experts overlook one factor, which is the change in weight class for Stevenson from lightweight to super lightweight. How well Stevenson performs is also contingent on how well he transitions from 135 to 140 pounds in the new weight class, a variable not considered by experts. Alexis Arguello never performed at the world championship level again after rising from lightweight to take on Aaron Pryor twice.
Stevenson’s preparations in camp are an open book and apparently spot on. However, the Lopez camp remains relatively closed and obscure in its approach to this bout. The winner of this bout could rise in star prominence in 2026, with Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis tragically marred in legal troubles, his entire career train wrecked and seemingly over with his latest arrest.
Mentally, emotionally, and physically, Lopez feels he is not only more than ready, but that he’s on fire and will be a better version than even the one who defeated Josh Taylor, Loma, and Arnold Barboza. Lopez has been experimenting with new routines and drills designed to change his approach and methodology in his ring I.Q. arsenal. His training regimen has been modified to deal with any contingencies and nuances Stevenson may bring to the table, with superior confidence.
Both fighters have engaged in superior preparations and are ready for war. Both fighters have commitment and are fully focused, based on the recent training footage I saw. It all boils down to the scorecards and how the judges view the bout.
Lopez has won six of seven bouts at Madison Square Garden. Lopez has experience in the Garden ring. The loss to George Kambosos Jr. at The Garden in November 2021 proved Lopez can both be knocked down and beaten at The Garden. Stevenson has fought at The Garden three times, winning twice by knockout early in his career. While this bout has been publicized, it has not been overhyped. Bettors could change the bout odds by their bets as the fight date approaches next week.
To this boxing writer, the bout appears close on paper, and a 12-round decision could hinge on knockdowns scored. Stevenson is favored to win by a unanimous close decision in a highly technical bout. Lopez has the power/ Stevenson has the superior technical expertise. For Stevenson to win, he would have to stop Stevenson in the late rounds, with that prospect seeming unlikely given Stevenson’s abilities.
Both boxers seem very motivated. In this reporter’s view, the harder work will be done by Stevenson, all factors considered. Lopez will be ‘in the house’, but will be outworked, however slightly. The judges could send the scorecards three different ways, or remain with a point or two of each other. It all depends on the punch count, key punches landed, and how the judges will interpret each fighter’s style. In any case, both fighters feel like lightweights on a mission to prove something to secure their legacy. It is safe to say that the abilities of both fighters remain underestimated.
Co- Main Event
Keyshawn ‘The Businessman’ Davis is returning from a one-year layoff during which he was battling alcoholism and mental health issues. Davis admitted he used to drink every day in camp on the Andre Ward/Roy Jones podcast, one of the main reasons why he missed weight in his last fight.
Keyshawn Davis, who is 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) tall and has a reach of 70 inches is 13-0 with nine knockouts, Norfolk, Virginia, the former WBO World Lightweight champion moving up to super middleweight, is favored to win by 12 rounds unanimous decision over former world title challenger Jamaine Ortiz, 20-2-1 with 10 knockouts, Worcester, Massachusetts. Ortiz has lost to Vasyl Lomachenko and Teofimo Lopez, indicators that he is just short of the world-class ledger. The bout could be interesting.
For the upcoming 135-pound matchup, Keyshawn Davis is a 78% favorite to win, a significant favorite to win against Jamaine Ortiz. Davis is listed around -650 to -400 (roughly 1/4 or 2/9 in fractional odds), while Ortiz is a heavy underdog, generally priced at +400 to +410. Current Key Odds are Keyshawn Davis -650, Jamaine Ortiz +410.
Method of victory predicted odds are Davis by KO/TKO/DQ is highly favored at +140, while a Davis points/decision victory is +105. Round Betting odds of a Davis win in rounds 7-12 are heavily favored.
Davis uses a bottom-up approach, often ending fights with vicious left hooks to the liver. He famously secured the WBO lightweight title in February 2025 by dropping Denys Berinchyk twice with body shots before winning by a fourth-round stoppage. Davis prefers to fight at a distance, using an educated jab to bait opponents into exchanges where his superior reflexes allow him to slip and fire explosive right-hand counters. Traditionally a large lightweight, Davis is transitioning to the 140-pound Junior Welterweight class in 2026. His path to victory involves using his 70-inch reach and natural power to bully smaller or less physically imposing technicians.
Davis will win through a blend of elite amateur pedigree, explosive hand speed, and a high-level boxing IQ that prioritizes precision over volume. As he moves into 2026, his path to victory against top-tier opponents like Jamaine Ortiz, who relies on several core tactical pillars.
Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz is one inch shorter at 5’8″ and has a reach of 69 inches. He does have a path of victory to reach an upset over Keyshawn Davis. For one, Ortiz has five more years and more than twice as many fights experience. For two, as a master technician, if he had one more round against Teofimo Lopez, and two more rounds against Lomachenko, Davis would have drawn on two of three scorecards with both world champions.
Ortiz has the potential for a major upset, but only under certain conditions requiring ring generalship, superior mobility, and superior lateral movement supported by a high-volume punch output to disrupt Davis’s rhythm. Ortiz must leverage his speed to avoid becoming a stationary target who can be counterpunched. To do this, Ortiz must replicate the “run and gun” style that frustrated Teofimo Lopez, using quick footwork to prevent Davis from trapping him against the ropes.
Switching between orthodox and southpaw stances could disrupt the timing and rhythm of Davis, but it also creates offensive opportunities. Ortiz needs to throw short repeated combinations from different angles to win rounds. His reputation for relying on one-shot power would enable Davis to pitch a shutout, so Ortiz must fight a different style of fight, using the same game plan he executed against Teofimo. Ortiz MUST set the pace early and win rounds from the get-go before Davis can settle into a rhythm with precise countering. Ortiz must also keep Davis from landing his sharper damaging counter-shots. Superior mobility and his run-and-gun style could accomplish it. Superior conditioning will determine the better boxer here in a lengthy, drawn-out technical bout.
Other Major Fights:
In the preliminary to the main event, World Boxing Council World Middleweight champion Carlos Adames, 24-1-1 with 18 knockouts, Las Vegas, Nevada, by way of the Dominican Republic, is predicted to retain his world title by 12 rounds unanimous decision over southpaw challenger Austin Williams, 19-1 with 13 knockouts, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Bruce Carrington, 16-0 with nine knockouts, Brooklyn, New York, the World Boxing Council interim World Featherweight champion, is favored to win the vacant WBC World Featherweight title over Carlos Castro Manriquez, 30-3 with 14 knockouts, Fullerton, California, by way of Mexico. Manriquez, coming off a loss to Stephen Fulton, has been plagued by a weak chin, with knockdowns incurred in losses to Luis Nery and Brandon Figueroa.
Heavyweight contender Jarrell ‘Big Baby’ Miller, 26-1-2 with 18 knockouts, North Bellmore, New York, is favored to win by knockout or TKO over Kingston Ibeh, 16-2-1 with 124 knockouts, Phoenix, Arizona, by way of Nigeria.
7-0-1 Saudi Arabian super lightweight prospect Ziyad Almaayouf of Los Angeles, California, is favored to win by eight rounds unanimous decision over 5-2-1 Kevin Castillo of Miami, Florida, by way of Ecuador.
5-0 French heavyweight prospect Maxime Vaz of Longjumeau, Essonne, France, is predicted to win by knockout. All five of his wins have come by knockout. 8-0 lightweight prospect Rodolfo ‘Pitufo’ Jesus Molina Jimenez of Guadalajara, Mexico, is predicted to win by four rounds unanimous decision in the opening bout on the card. Neither fighter knew their opponent at press time.
Ortiz frequently changes stances; Davis must establish his straight right hand early to prevent Ortiz from finding a rhythm in southpaw.
Ortiz is known for “stick-and-move” tactics. Davis intends to use relentless body work to take the legs out of Ortiz and force him into a stationary “war” in the center of the ring.
Analysts expect Davis’s timing to neutralize Ortiz’s high-volume angles, eventually leading to a late-round stoppage or a clear unanimous decision.
‘THE RING 6’ TEOFIMO LOPEZ VS. SHAKUR STEVENSON PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES & PHOTOS
NEW YORK, NY, January 29, 2026 – While the temperatures continue to drop in Manhattan, the heat was certainly felt inside Madison Square Garden during ‘The Ring 6’ final press conference ahead of a marquee main event that will see Teofimo Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) defend his Ring Magazine and WBO Junior Welterweight Titles against Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs), who aims to secure his fourth world title in a fourth different weight class. It all gets underway Saturday night, January 31, live worldwide, exclusively on DAZN PPV.
Ahead of the main event fireworks, the undercard features numerous must-see matchups headlined by WBO No.1 ranked Keyshawn Davis (13-0, 9 KOs) in his anticipated return to the ring against Jamaine Ortiz (20-2, 10 KOs) as the co-main event. Additionally, WBC World Middleweight Champion Carlos Adames (24-1, 18 KOs) will take on Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams (19-1, 13 KOs), while Brooklyn native, Bruce ‘Shu Shu’ Carrington (16-0, 9 KOs) will look to defend his home turf and secure the Vacant WBC Featherweight Championship against veteran, Carlos Castro (30-3, 14 KOs). Heavyweight ‘Big Baby’ Jarrell Miller (26-1, 22 KOs) will also join in on the action against ‘Black Lion’ Kingsley Ibeh (16-2, 14 KOs), and Saudi Arabian prodigy Ziyad ‘Zizo’ Almaayouf (7-0, 1 KO) looks to upend Kevin Castillo (5-2) in a Super Lightweight bout.
Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster night:
On how his preparation has been going and how big of a challenge it may be for him on Saturday night…
“It’s been very good. Stacy McKinley, our assistant trainer, has been helping out and training me at his gym, alongside my father. The amount of knowledge that’s been bestowed in my skills, and the amount of progress I’ve been creating has really made an impact. I feel very good, excited, determined, and I can’t wait to display that on Saturday.”
On if this is the best he’s felt going into a fight…
“Yes, but more importantly my soul feels great, like a beacon.”
Keith Connolly, Connolly Boxing
On what he’s seen from Teofimo Lopez in this camp…
“I’m super excited, big fight week in New York and nothing like a fight at Madison Square Garden. We’re in the same exact position five, six years ago when he fought [Vasiliy] Lomachenko. He went in and kicked his a**. He’s going to do it again. Shakur Stevenson is a great fighter, but he’s never faced anyone like Teofimo Lopez.”
On why it matters bringing the kids from New Jersey to Saturday’s fight…
“It means everything to me. I usually do this before a lot of my fights, but it means everything for the kids to get motivation by seeing me fight. They get to see somebody from the same circumstances, but my main thing is to give them motivation.”
On if this fight has become personal…
“It’s all business. I’m not treating it that way, but I’m one hundred percent focused and we’ll see on Saturday night.”
On how big of a challenge Teofimo Lopez will be…
“We’ll see. He’s a good fighter.”
James Prince, J Prince Boxing Gym
On what makes Shakur Stevenson unique…
“He’s one of a kind. He’s his own person and a student of the game. He has taken aspects from the great Andre Ward, the great Roy Jones, yet he’s borrowed from all of them and blended it into his own mix. Now, he’s Shakur Stevenson. One of a kind.”
On how Saturday night’s fight plays out…
“I’m excited, but I don’t want to leave this in the judge’s hands. I like fighting, so let’s do it.”
On what will be different on Saturday night…
“You all will have to see. The amazing Keyshawn Davis, he’s back.”
On how New York and Madison Square Garden brings out his best…
“My first fight after I returned from the Olympics was at The Mecca of Boxing…Madison Square Garden. I had another chance to fight here, but I’ve never fought in front of a sold out crowd. It’s amazing.”
Jamaine Ortiz
On how he’s feeling going into Saturday night…
“I’m feeling great. I’m excited to be here. I’m going to show everybody what I’m made of, and I’m going to get over this hump and take somebody’s old way that night.”
On how much he’s learned from losses and what he’s taking from them into this fight…
“I learned a lot, especially to not leave it [decisions] to the judges. I don’t expect it to go to the scorecards”.
On what he has to do to win this fight…
“I’m going to take out all the tools that I have and show everyone that there’s levels to this. I can do anything I want to do.”
Carlos Adames
On how he’s feeling going into Saturday night…
“In terms of Saturday, I look forward to doing what I always do: going in the ring and doing my job.”
On the kind of fight he is expecting from Austin Williams on Saturday…
“He’s been on a good run because he hasn’t faced me. I hope he’s there to put on a good show for the fans on Saturday night.”
Austin Williams
On how confident he is coming into Saturday night…
“I’m beyond confident…I’m a showman. I came into this sport to be the best performing artist to ever exist. Eddie [Hearn] knows that and it’s why he gives me these amazing opportunities. Me and my coach, Kevin Cunningham, we’ve achieved the vision in my mind of the fighter I want to be. I’m ready to give the fans the greatest performance they’ve ever seen, something that is special.”
On if the fight will be all action right from the opening bell…
“Absolutely. I came into this sport with an idea to be the most cerebral fighter to exist. I’m fighting for my first world championship at 29. Like I said, I’m here to change the world and show what it means to be a true fighter. I’m excited to put that on display on Saturday night.”
Bruce Carrington
On Brownsville fighters never winning a title at Madison Square Garden and his chances to break the trend…
“This is a dream come true. To all the fans that have been watching me for the start of my pro career, they’ve been waiting for this. To all my fans in Brownsville, this is a long time coming. For me to be a part of that list of Brownsville fighters, it means the world to me. This is my moment and I feel like I have to do it. I’ve been doing so much to make sure I’m overly prepared. I cannot wait until Saturday and you don’t want to miss the Shu Shu show.”
On what kind of fight he is expecting on Saturday…
“I expect the best of them [Castro]. I was offered different guys with different names and lesser opposition, but I want to be great. In order to be great, you have to fight a guy as dangerous as him. This is the kind of opportunity that brings out the best in me. Watch it live on DAZN.”
Carlos Castro
On how confident he is going into Saturday night…
“I’m good. I’m confident. I want to prove that I’m here to take down the best. I’m one of the best fighters out there, and I’m here to take any challenge. I’m not scared, I’m not ashamed, and I’m not going away from any challenge. Bruce Carrington is in my way and he’ll realize that there’s levels to this. This is a dream come true and something that not a lot of people in my hometown will see me doing. I’m here.”
On if fighting in New York means he has to bring a little extra…
“No, because I’m fighting him [Bruce Carrington], I’m not fighting New York. We both have the courage to go in there and fight the best. I’m here to give him my all.”
Jarrell Miller
On how he feels being at Madison Square Garden….
“The last time I fought in this room was 19 years ago. I don’t really party, I don’t smoke or drink, and I keep my mind sharp. Coming home to fight in front of my fans and family means so much to me. I beat myself up every day since 2019, but it’s an opportunity to not only fight and show the fans, but show myself and Eddie [Hearn] as well that I’m still with them [Matchroom]. Dealing with Matchroom and Eddie over the years, they’ve shown me respect and they fought really hard to get me on this card. It’s been a lot of hard work, but come Saturday night I’m going to make Kingsley’s [Ibeh] head roll. This will be the first time my kids see me fight live…I’m fired up and I’m coming to whoop some a**.”
On if he thinks Kingsley Ibeh has anything in store for him…
“I’ve travelled all over for fighting…fighting [Daniel] Dubois, so am I afraid of him? Hell no. I do understand the risks, though in the heavyweight division. If you know who I am, every fight I show up. Imagine being a professional as long as I have? I’m from Brooklyn…I’m coming to fight.”
Kingsley Ibeh
On how confident he is that he can beat Jarrell Miller…
“Confident is an understatement. I know what’s going to happen. It’s only a matter of time. I’m not a big talker and I’m not a boxer…didn’t grow up boxing. I don’t have much to say, but if people want to make the fight tonight we can do that. Come Saturday night, we will make it interesting.”
On the key to beating Jarrell Miller…
“You’ll see on Saturday night.”
Ziyad Almaayouf
On him traveling the world and his boxing experiences…
“Legacy, memories, and dreams. I’m thankful to fight at The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. How about Saudi Arabia’s first professional boxer who had no ring, no bags, for years and years – how about dreaming about Madison Square Garden then and actually getting there? I need to take this opportunity.”
On what he’s trying to show on Saturday night…
“I’m going to show a lot…the faith put in me. Saturday night I’ll become the first professional boxer from Saudi Arabia to fight at Madison Square Garden. You know how many kids, Arabs and Saudis who see me and dream that they can fight at Madison Square Garden? I’ve been through three training camps. I feel like a super hero. Gotham has Batman…Saudi Arabia has Zizo. Saturday night I’ll make history.”
Kevin Castillo
On how he feels about Saturday night after back-to-back losses…
“I’ve worked many years to be on a great stage like this and to be here at Madison Square Garden, I’m full of energy. I also want to say it’s amazing to be up here with great fighters, but I don’t want this to just be an opportunity, I want to come back and show that I can test myself at this level because I was born for this.”
On what a win this Saturday night would mean for him…
“It would be fantastic. It would mean all the work I have put in through the years was worth it and it would also change the destiny of my life and my loved ones. I want to give everything I have and let my fists do the talking.”
Rick Reeno, CEO, Ring Magazine
On the main event…
“We’re only two days away…two of the biggest stars colliding, and that’s why The Mecca of Boxing is sold out, live and exclusively on DAZN. Shakur – if you talk to any of the oddsmakers he’s a favorite. Teofimo upsets the odds, though. He upset the odds against [Vasiliy] Lomachenko, Josh Taylor, and if he does it again, it will be the biggest of his career. I think Shakur is the better fighter.”
“On the other end, Shakur is one the most talented boxers in the game today, and he’s looking to make history on Saturday night by going for his fourth divisional title. I believe it’ll be the biggest victory of his career because I hold Teofimo higher in regard than the fighters Shakur has fought. It’s an intriguing fight with two of the very best colliding along with The Ring title at stake.”
Eddie Hearn, Chairman, Matchroom Sport
On which fight he is most excited about…
“Firstly, you talk about good and bad memories. That’s what you want and that’s what you get when you come to The Mecca of Boxing. I want to say well done to Matchroom and The Ring team for a completely sold-out event. This is something very special and this place is special. A lot of people say to me, ‘Dream venue for boxing?’ and it’s always Madison Square Garden, so we’re very lucky. I can go down the table – Jarrell Miller. A lot has been said, but this is an emotional return for him. I look at Carlos Adames – a great world champion, and to my left, Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams, who turned professional with Matchroom Boxing. I could not sit here any prouder than Ammo. Everything he went through, the ups and downs, has led to the moment he can win that incredible green and gold belt at Madison Square Garden. Carlos Castro, Shu Shu [Carrington] – You’re all from the same school. Shu Shu – I don’t even represent you and I’m excited for you because I know when you walked through those gym doors as a kid coming up from USA boxing. Keyshawn, you’re a great fighter and you’ve been through your ups and downs as well. To our partners at DAZN, I couldn’t be prouder. We came to this market six years ago and we were ridiculed for fighting on an app. Now, we sit as the global home of boxing. The unrivaled global home of boxing and this card on Saturday night should not be missed. Two of the sport’s greatest talents in the main event…this is what makes the sport great. Tune in live on DAZN for a night you won’t forget.”
On the Shakur Stevenson vs Teofimo Lopez fight…
“This is everything. Everyone talks about making boxing great again, and you’ve got to tip your hat off to Shakur and Teo, because Shakur is dominating the 135 pound division. Both fighters know that there’s money out there, deals out there, to just keep on doing the standard thing, but these aren’t standard guys. These are guys that are chasing greatness in a sold out arena that has hosted Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson and Rocky Marciano. That’s what these guys are after. You know the guy to my left [Shakur Stevenson] at 28 years of age, I say it all the time – he’s a three division World Champion looking to become a four division World Champion at the age of 28 and that’s a phenomenal achievement. Any young fighter getting in the game, I would recommend they look at the way that Shakur Stevenson lives his life and his dedication to the sport, and the same with Teofimo [Lopez] as well. This is a joy as I said to the fighters earlier on the undercard…understand what you’re fighting for on Saturday night. Memories. Top to bottom, the whole boxing world will be in New York on Saturday night. You’ve got the Ring Magazine Awards tomorrow night, live on DAZN around the world. Thank you to both men. This is exactly what boxing needs, and I cannot wait. ”
Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh discusses his fight with Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller
Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh (16-2-1, 13 KOs) fully understands and appreciates the invaluable opportunity to fight on the largest stage of his career this Saturday night, when the Nigeria-native takes on hometown favorite Jarrell “Big Baby” Miller (26-1-2, 22 KOs) in a 10-round bout on a stacked “The Ring VI” card, streaming live on DAZN from the famed Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Ibeh, a former college/professional (Canada) football player, is riding an 11-fight win streak, including 10 knockouts. The 6’ 4”, 285-pound Ibeh isn’t going to the Big Apple to see the sights; he is on a mission to showcase his skills to a much larger audience, confident of a career-altering performance, despite fighting the largest, most dangerous opponent of his ascending career.
“I believe I will stop him (Miller),” Ibeh boldly predicted. “I’ve been preparing to fight the best version of Miller and expect he’ll come in at his best. I want to throw and take punches, keep fighting physically, and come forward. I expect to be booed when I walk to the ring. He lives there.
“Miller was fighting top level opponents when I first started boxing and now he’s my opponent. Amazing! Idols are now rivals. We’re both big, tough and strong. But it’s not the size of the dog, what matters is the fight in the dog. I’ve learned that football is physical, boxing you need discipline, and spar to learn, punch to hurt.”
Ibeh and Miller have one common opponent, Gerald Washington, but there’s little to compare because Miller won in 2017 when Washington (18-1-1) retired after 8 rounds, while Ibeh fought Washington (21-6-1) last September, registering a third-round technical knockout victory.
Ibeh has never fought in New York City, and, in fact, he has only been there once to go to the Nigerian Embassy.
“I’m grateful and blessed to fight on this stage” Ibeh commented. “It will be career changing for me, more of a lifestyle change from getting more exposure. I’ll get more fans because more people will hear my story and I’ll go up to the next level. I can have an impact.”
The cousin of former infamous heavyweight and Nigerian icon, Ike Ibeabuchi, Ibeh attributes a large share of his success to, ironically, his insurance company.
“If not for my insurance company, I wouldn’t have the freedom and option to work on my own schedule,” Ibeh explained. “I worked as a personal trainer and at a topless bar in Phoenix. If I were still a bouncer, I’d be working 4-9 p.m., 7 days a week with no option to enjoy time in the gym. It was a struggle but now, I am taking time off for training camp.”
Main Card
Teofimo Lopez 22-1 (13 KOs) WBO & The Ring Super Lightweight Champion vs. Shakur Stevenson (24-0 (11 KOs) WBC Lightweight Champion (Moving up to 140 lbs)
Undercard
Keyshawn Davis 13-0 (9 KOs) vs. Jamaine Ortiz 20-2-1 (10 KOs) Super Lightweight
Carlos Adames 24-1-1 (18 KOs) vs. Austin Williams 19-1 (13 KOs) WBC Middleweight Title- Cancelled due to Adames being hospitalized for dehydration.
Bruce Carrington 16-0 (9 KOs) vs. Carlos Castro 30-3 (14 KOs) WBC Featherweight Title
Jarrell Miller 26-1-2 (22 KOs) vs. Kingsley Ibeh 16-2-1 (14 KOs) Heavyweight
Ziyad Almaayouf 7-0-1 (1 KO) vs. Kevin Castillo 5-2-1 (0 KOs) Welterweight
Teofimo vs. Shakur Average Betting Odds:
Live on DAZN from 6.15pm (all times ET)
8 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
ZIYAD ALMAAYOUF (141.2lbs) vs. KEVIN CASTILLO (140.8lbs)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Quito, Ecuador
Followed by
10 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest*
AUSTIN WILLIAMS (167.2lbs) vs. WENDY TOUSSAINT (167.2lbs)
Houston, Texas Huntington, New York
*Carlos Adames forced to pull out of the proposed World Middleweight title fight with Williams due to illness, Toussaint steps in for a ten round non-title bout.
LIVE ON DAZN PPV FROM 8PM
10 x 3 mins Heavyweight contest
JARRELL MILLER (317.6lbs) vs. KINGSLEY IBEH (288lbs)
Brooklyn, New York Phoenix, Arizona
Followed by
12 x 3 mins WBC World Featherweight title
BRUCE CARRINGTON (125.6lbs) vs. CARLOS CASTRO (125.2lbs)
Brooklyn, New York Phoenix, Arizona
Followed by
12 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
KEYSHAWN DAVIS (139.2lbs) vs. JAMAINE ORTIZ (139.2lbs)
Norfolk, Virginia Worcester, Massachusetts
Followed by
12 x 3 mins WBO World and The Ring Junior Welterweight titles
TEOFIMO LOPEZ (139.6lbs) vs. SHAKUR STEVENSON (138.6lbs)
Brooklyn, New York Newark, New Jersey
Keep up to date the latest events ahead of Fight Night by following @ringmagazine on social media.
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