Lopez punches guards and steps behind his jab without overreaching. He closes the distance without tracking, a discipline that is important to enemies that rely on distance. Stevenson needs to keep his foot outside, touch the body to slow Lopez down, and clean up when the pressure comes inside. Any delivery that invites a right hand down the barrel or a left hook from the break.
What Lopez learned from Southpaws First
Lopez remains heartbroken against left hands. He holds the long position to pull the fork, then shoots straight back. His best performances came in the south trying to outsmart him without moving his base. He keeps putting his feet under him, changing the rhythm, and punching in short bursts to scare the judges.
Against Stevenson, Lopez will have to resist the takedown and rely on the round stack. “I don’t have to prove anything to anybody,” Lopez said during the press conference. “I’m a two-time world champion in two different weight divisions. What did he do?”
Stevenson can hold his ground without giving up
Time stands still Stevenson adds. The subject is valid. Can he hold it without giving up, or will the added size push him into longer tackles and referee warnings? Manage to keep winning tournaments; the price is better here.
This fight will question patience from both corners. Lopez needs to measure the attack; Stevenson needs legs that don’t back off in corners. Madison Square Garden will decide whether the cruiserweights can slow down or whether Lopez at 140 proves too beatable.
This version of Rummy Quiz will try to answer that question in a segment with a preview of the upcoming show between Lopez and Stevenson. Please watch and enjoy the video. This is Rummy’s Corner (created and explained by Geoffrey Ciani).
Date: January 31
Start time: 5pm local; 8 p.m. ET; 1 am UK
Advertising media: DAZN PPV
Location: Madison Square Garden, New York
Fight card: Teofimo Lopez vs Shakur Stevenson, Ring VI main event