Lopez Stevenson Talks Advance for New York WBO 140-Pound Title Fight

Negotiations are underway for a high-profile fight between WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez and WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson that promoters hope to stage in New York in early 2026, with both fighters saying they are ready and representatives describing talks as advanced but not yet finalized. The bout, expected to be contested for Lopez's 140-pound title, is being discussed as a Premier Boxing Champions event with potential financial backing from Saudi Arabia and the possibility of a Netflix stream, although promoters and camps must still settle business details, including purse splits and venue.

Lopez, 28, told Ring Magazine he and Stevenson are "prepped" and waiting for financiers such as Riyadh Season to make the fight happen, and he suggested the matchup would be global and suited for platforms like Netflix. Stevenson, also 28, told Ariel Helwani he wants the fight "early 26" and framed it as a chance to prove he is the best fighter in the sport, saying he would not remain at 140 after the matchup and even suggested he might hand the WBO belt to a friend afterwards. Representatives familiar with the talks said PBC is pushing for a New York...