‘There’s a lot of different ways to do it’: Teofimo Lopez has plans to break Shakur Stevenson’s defense

Leading into the January 31 showdown between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson for Lopez’s 140 lb title, both fighters sat down with Chris Mannix on behalf of DAZN to discuss their impending battle, what this fight means to them, and how they plan to approach the fight. Check out some excerpts of what both had to day with the full video feature at the top.

Shakur on the conception of this fight with Teofimo

“Honestly, I been thinking about fighting him since the Amateurs. I always admired the type of boxer he was with the skill set to shine. He had like real moments in the amateurs and the pros where he had shined bright and I wanted to see myself against that. So I been had that on my brain.”

Teofimo on why this was the best fight for him to make right now

“The best fighting the best. And I think after a tremendous performance by Crawford against Canelo, you see that type of fight and magnitude it brings, you want to emulate it.”

Teofimo on believing 140 might be too much for Shakur

“Shakur was honestly the most flawless from 123 all the way down to 114. Since then he’s had his share of victories. I think 135 was his top tier. 140, I think we just got to wait and see. And for him to even come up to do that, I think he deserves his flowers…”

Shakur on why he’s been waiting for this moment

“A lot of people didn’t give us the opportunity to show how great we is. A lot of the fighters, I want to say either they ducked or found a business way not to get in front of me. And I feel like with him, he kind of gave me an opportunity of a lifetime now. Now it’s like, okay, you build your career up all this time…and then the moment comes and you’re like ‘damn, it’s here.’ It kind of like turn you up, like ‘lets go get it now.’”

Teofimo on if he’s as motivated as Shakur is for this fight

“I’m determined. It’s a difference — I’m determined. No motivation, I have all the motivation I need. Got my family, peoples are good, I’m wealthy, healthy…determined for more. Determined for a betterment of my life.”

Teofimo on what he needs to do to break through Shakur’s defense

“There’s a lot of different ways to do it. And although some may think it’s illegal, it’s still legal. So it’s just all about making sure that I practice it…Stylistically, when you see a fighter like him, it is not illegal to do certain punches and throw certain punches or hit certain areas as long as it’s not below the belt line.”