HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, has officially announced that Madison Square Garden will host The Ring 6 world title clash between Teofimo Lopez and Shakur Stevenson on Saturday, January 31, 2026. The announcement confirms one of the most anticipated matchups in boxing, bringing two elite champions together in a historic 140-pound showdown broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.
The fighters will make their first joint appearance at a launch press conference this Wednesday, December 10, at 1 PM inside Madison Square Garden. Media credential applications are now open.
The event is promoted by SELA and Matchroom Boxing, adding to the growing slate of high-profile global boxing events led by Alalshikh’s vision for 2026.
A Historic Matchup: Lopez vs. Stevenson at 140 Pounds
Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) – WBO & The Ring Junior Welterweight Champion
Brooklyn’s own Teofimo “The Takeover” Lopez will make the fourth defense of his titles as he continues one of the strongest runs of his career. Lopez enters on a six-fight winning streak, most recently dominating Arnold Barboza Jr. during the historic Fatal Fury Times Square card in May.
The 28-year-old star sees this fight not only as a title defense but as a territorial battle between Brooklyn and Newark.
Lopez stated:
“Duck, Duck, Goose! Are you ready for New York City? The Takeover is here to stay. Shakur will fall in nine.”
Shakur Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) – Current WBC Lightweight World Champion
Stevenson will move up to junior welterweight for the first time, aiming to become a four-division world champion. Fighting just miles away from his hometown of Newark, the undefeated southpaw recently defended his lightweight title by outboxing the previously unbeaten William Zepeda at Ring III in New York.
Stevenson, confident and unfazed, said:
“I never shy away from challenges. Teofimo will learn firsthand that there are levels to this game.”
A Return to Madison Square Garden Tradition
The matchup marks a return to MSG’s legendary boxing roots. Although Alalshikh staged groundbreaking events in Times Square and Louis Armstrong Stadium earlier in the year, The Ring 6 brings championship boxing back to the iconic arena that hosted:
Ali vs. Frazier I (The Fight of the Century, 1971)
Countless world title bouts across multiple eras
Career-defining nights for many of boxing’s biggest names
Joel Fisher, Executive Vice President of Marquee Events at MSG Entertainment, emphasized the significance:
“Madison Square Garden boasts a storied boxing legacy. We look forward to welcoming Teofimo and Shakur for what promises to be another unforgettable championship night.”
Saudi Vision, Global Boxing Momentum
Chairman Turki Alalshikh continues shaping a new era of global boxing, using The Ring series to elevate the sport with marquee matchups, historic venues, and worldwide broadcasts.
Alalshikh noted:
“This fight between two huge talents will provide an exciting start to our plans for 2026. We are looking forward to returning to New York and delivering another world title fight fans have been waiting for.”
What This Fight Means for Boxing
This matchup carries significant implications:
A chance for Stevenson to become a four-weight world champion
An opportunity for Lopez to further cement his dominance at 140 lbs
A rare meeting between two elite fighters in their prime
A major event kicking off a stacked 2026 boxing calendar
With both fighters entering at the top of their careers, The Ring 6 is already being viewed as a potential Fight of the Year contender.
