“It’s an excellent contest,” Arum shared with The Ring publication. “The outcome could swing either way. I believe that unless an opponent demonstrates the ability to outwit Shakur within the ropes, it’s challenging to bet against him.”
Arum managed Stevenson for a significant portion of his initial professional journey and currently acts as Lopez’s promoter. Although he voiced his belief that Lopez possesses the capability to perform exceptionally well, he emphasized that the specific iteration of Lopez needed for victory isn’t consistently assured.
“Teofimo needs to be capable of intellectually outmaneuvering and out-boxing him, rather than solely depending on his physical power,” Arum stated. “When he’s at his peak, he can achieve that. He doesn’t always perform at his highest level.”
Lopez has delivered his most impressive displays when facing his most skilled adversaries, such as Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor, both of whom he overcame with unanimous decisions in championship bouts. Arum noted that this track record shapes his anticipation that Lopez will enter the fight ready and concentrated.
“I believe you will witness Teofimo at his absolute finest, thoroughly prepared, and performing optimally,” Arum declared. “If that will be sufficient to defeat Shakur, remains to be determined.”
Stevenson approaches the upcoming match as the favored contender, following a victory by decision against William Zepeda, a contest where he admitted to employing a more adventurous strategy than typical. Arum anticipates a more restrained method in this instance, suggesting a strategic confrontation instead of continuous slugging.
