A central issue is drawing power. Neither Teofimo Lopez nor Shakur Stevenson has reached the point where their name alone creates mass interest. Lopez has moments of personality and confidence, but his appeal has been inconsistent. His public presence can shift quickly, and recent performances have done little to stabilize his standing. Several of his recent fights were widely described as dull, which drained excitement rather than building it.
Stevenson faces a different but related problem. He is respected for his technical ability, but his recent outings reinforced a reputation for low-output, defense-first fights. Fans booed during some of those performances, reflecting frustration with a style that prioritizes control over engagement. While Stevenson continues to win, the perception among casual viewers is that his fights lack action. That perception has become difficult to reverse.
Recent form from both fighters has contributed to the muted response. Stevenson’s recent wins were seen as underwhelming by a portion of the audience, even when decisive. Lopez’s form has been up and down since his 2020 win over Vasiliy Lomachenko. His decision over Jamaine Ortiz drew boos. His bout with Steve Claggett failed to spark interest. Earlier struggles, including the narrow win over Sandor Martin, left lingering doubts. Together, these performances have cooled enthusiasm for a matchup that once looked far more compelling.
Promotion has also played a role. The buildup has been dead and quiet. There has been little sustained marketing push, limited media presence, and no consistent attempt to sell the fight beyond hardcore fans. That lack of urgency was acknowledged publicly by Lopez, who called for more promotional material on social media, asking for teasers and in-gym footage to be released. The comment served as an implicit admission that the fight is not generating buzz on its own.
There is also the question of whether this is the wrong fight to create massive demand. Both fighters appear better suited, from a business standpoint, to matchups that bring either spectacle or risk. A fight involving Ryan Garcia, for example, would provide visibility, controversy, and casual interest regardless of outcome. Alternatively, being placed as a clear underdog against a fighter like Jaron Ennis could create intrigue through danger and uncertainty. Lopez vs. Stevenson offers neither.
Timing has not helped. January cards often depend on crossover appeal or strong supporting bouts. This event relies almost entirely on the main fight, and that fight has not captured broader attention.
As it stands, Lopez vs. Stevenson remains a fight that hardcore boxing fans will watch closely. For everyone else, the combination of dull recent fights, poor promotion, and limited star pull has made it easy to ignore. The skill is there. The demand is not.
