Andre Ward believes the slimmest of margins could determine one of boxing’s most intriguing potential fights between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson – and that the difference may only become apparent once the fight is underway.
I keep talking The whole fight against smoke regarding the Jan. 31 fight between Lopez and Stevenson, the former two-division world champion detailed how elite skill, adaptability and decision-making under pressure can influence the outcome, but stopped compact of revealing the full undercard in advance.
Ward made it clear that this is not a superficial debate about style versus style. In fact, it sees two fighters enter the ring fully aware of what awaits them.
“I respect both of them because Teo knows it’s going to be a real fight. Shakur knows it’s going to be a real fight.”
But from there, Ward drew a telling contrast. In his opinion, Stevenson behaves with scarce inventive freedom after the bell.
“I look at Shakur as a fighter who has a blank canvas. He has the IQ. He has the experience, the athleticism and the skill set to paint any picture he wants on a blank canvas.”
Lopez, on the other hand, is seen as destructive but more tidy.
“When I look at Teofimo Lopez, he’s almost like this. He has a blank canvas, but he needs an outline of what to draw and what to paint inside the lines.”
Ward appreciated Lopez’s explosive genius, even if it came unexpectedly.
“Every once in a while he’ll deviate from what he’s got and do something nippy and you’ll think, ‘Oh, that was nippy.’”
However, the former pound-for-pound star questioned whether that creativity could be consistently invoked against elite peers.
“I don’t think he can create on the fly like Shakur Stevenson.”
That doesn’t mean Stevenson is having an simple evening. Ward emphasized that Lopez’s strength and athleticism pose significant issues.
“Shakur has to deal with explosive strength, fast-twitch muscles and the type of punches he likes to throw.”
Still, Branch believes the key difference is adaptation – especially when plans start to fall apart.
“I think the difference in this fight will be Shakur’s ability to make adjustments, have a blank canvas and create something out of lean air and come up with it.”
For Ward, that fleeting pause – the moment needed to find the next solution – could be decisive.
“And I think that moment of time that he needs to look at that outline before he starts painting again… I think that’s going to be the difference in this fight.”