Shakur Stevenson Praises Teofimo Lopez After Rolly Romero Win, Highlights Unique Style That Frustrates Foes

Shakur Stevenson took to X on Sunday to react to Teofimo Lopez’s majority decision victory over Rolly Romero. The former rival praised Lopez’s three-division achievement and pointed out a specific trait that seems to throw opponents off their usual game.

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Shakur Stevenson did not stay quiet after watching Teofimo Lopez become a three-division champion on Saturday night in Las Vegas. The Newark fighter, who thoroughly outboxed Lopez back in January, hopped on X and dropped a series of posts that mixed respect, analysis, and a clear nod to the new WBA welterweight titleholder. One of the more detailed takes landed earlier today when Stevenson wrote that Teo has some sort of ability to make other fighters not throw a lot of punches and move a lot more than their usual style. He listed past opponents Loma, Ortiz, Sandor Martin, and now Rolly as examples, then added that none the less Teo did what he could with the style that was presented and got the job done.

That observation lands with weight coming from the man who just beat Lopez seven months ago. Stevenson had already posted shortly after the fight that he liked Teo by decision and later congratulated him directly with a simple “Yea @TeofimoLopez 3 division champ that’s 🔥.” He also made sure to show respect the other way, writing “Respect to Rolly a champion who will fight anybody Respect champ!!!” Those three posts together painted a picture of a fighter who can separate personal history from what he sees in the ring.

Lopez’s win over Romero came by majority decision, with scores of 116-112, 115-113, and 114-114. The Brooklyn native controlled most of the action behind a career-high 62 jabs and 124 total punches landed to Romero’s 73. Stevenson’s comment about forcing opponents to abandon their normal rhythm lines up with the numbers. Romero, known for pressure and power, spent long stretches looking hesitant and low-output. Lopez stayed disciplined, used the jab to keep distance, and recovered cleanly after a rough fifth round that left him cut and briefly buzzed.

The mutual respect angle is interesting because these two have history that goes beyond the January fight. Stevenson dominated that night at Madison Square Garden by identical 119-109 scores, yet here he is publicly acknowledging Lopez’s latest milestone without hedging. At the same time he made space to honor Romero’s willingness to take tough assignments. In a sport that often turns every reaction into drama, Stevenson kept it straightforward and observational.

What stands out is the timing. These posts arrived while the boxing community was still breaking down the scorecards and debating how clear the decision should have been. Stevenson’s voice carries extra credibility because he has already shared the ring with Lopez and beaten him convincingly. When a fighter of his caliber points out a specific pattern across multiple opponents, people listen. Whether that trait continues to serve Lopez at 147 against bigger, stronger competition remains the next chapter, but the immediate reaction from his most recent conqueror is pure class and clear-eyed analysis.

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