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Wondering who Terence Crawford might favour in a world-class showdown between Shakur Stevenson and Teofimo Lopez is no surprise — but the emphatic nature of his prediction might be.
Crawford, widely regarded as the best boxer in the world, has trained alongside Stevenson on numerous occasions and often supported him from ringside. The three-weight world champion Stevenson, 24-0 (11 KOs), is the current WBC lightweight titlist and produced some of the best boxing of his career last time out against the dangerous Mexican William Zepeda.
Recent rumours have suggested Stevenson will move up to super-lightweight for a clash with Lopez, 22-1 (13 KOs), next year. Lopez himself has repeatedly hinted that the fight is happening. Should it take place, Lopez would be making the fourth defence of the WBO world title he won so impressively against Josh Taylor more than two years ago.
Crawford, still basking in his own success after defeating Canelo Alvarez in September, made his thoughts clear in a social-media post that featured a clip of Shakur shadow-boxing.
“I don’t know it all, but what I do know is Shakur Stevenson beating the f*** outta Teofimo Lopez.”
Crawford also shared photos of the pair, with “Bud” working with Stevenson in camp ahead of what would be the biggest fight of the latter’s career.
Lopez is no stranger to Crawford; the pair were once embroiled in a feud marked by unsavoury remarks from Lopez. It was rumoured at one stage that it could lead to a fight between the two men, but it never came to fruition.
