Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Andrew Ward believes the smallest of margins could decide one of boxing’s most intriguing potential clashes between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson – and that the difference may only reveal itself once the fight is already underway.
Speaking on The whole fight against smoke Speaking about the Jan. 31 clash between Lopez and Stevenson, the former two-weight world champion offered a nuanced analysis of how elite skills, adaptability and decision-making under pressure could shape the outcome, without revealing his whole hand from the start.
Ward made it clear that this is not a superficial debate between style and style. Basically, it sees two fighters entering the ring fully aware of what awaits them.
“I respect them both 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 eyes, Stevenson operates with rare creative freedom once the bell rings.
“I look at Shakur as a fighter who has a blank canvas. He has the IQ. He has the experience, the athleticism and the skills that allow him to paint any type of picture he wants on a blank canvas.”
Lopez, on the other hand, is considered devastating but more structured.
“When I look at Teofimo Lopez, he’s almost that. He has a blank canvas, but he needs an outline of what he should draw and what he should paint inside the lines.”
Ward recognized Lopez’s explosive genius, even when it arrives unexpectedly.
“Every once in a while he breaks away from the pattern he has and he does something awesome and you’re like, ‘Oh, that was cool.'”
Yet the former pound-for-pound star questioned whether that creativity could be invoked consistently against an elite equal.
“I don’t think he can create on the fly like Shakur Stevenson does.”
This does not mean Stevenson have an easy night. Ward pointed out that Lopez’s power and athleticism present serious problems.
“What Shakur has to deal with is explosive power, fast-twitch muscles and the type of punches he likes to throw.”
Always, Room believes the main difference is adaptation, especially when plans start to unravel.
“I think the difference in this fight is Shakur’s ability to make adjustments, to have a blank canvas, to create something from nothing and figure it out.”
For Ward, this momentary pause – the moment needed to find the next solution – could be decisive.
“And I think the little time it takes for him to look at that outline before he starts painting again…I think that’s going to make the difference in this fight.”
