Stevenson Lopez Near Deal for WBC-WBO 140 Fight on Saudi Card

Shakur Stevenson and Teofimo Lopez appear closer than ever to meeting in the ring, with both fighters publicly signaling willingness to make a bout at 140 pounds and sources indicating a January date on a Saudi-promoted card is under discussion. The fight would pit Stevenson's WBC lightweight title against Lopez's WBO super lightweight crown and could give Stevenson the chance to become a four-division champion if completed.

Negotiations remain fluid and contested. A person close to Stevenson said the fighter has been receptive to a January date presented by Saudi backers, and both boxers have traded defiant messages on social media in recent days. Lopez posted an invitation referencing 140 pounds, and Stevenson replied that he accepted while urging Lopez and their teams to finalize paperwork. At the same time a prominent commentator warned that talks have seen stalls, saying Saudi organizers grew frustrated with Lopez earlier this year and had been prepared to move on to other opponents.

Teams are reported to be working to stitch the fight together. One analyst said Lopez initially rejected a roughly six million dollar offer but that his representatives have been scrambling to...