Shakur Stevenson is current era’s Floyd Mayweather but here’s why Teofimo Lopez could snap his unbeaten streak

Shakur Stevenson is a current great in the sport, but he will need one of his best displays yet to overcome a gifted Teofimo Lopez.

That is the verdict of former two-weight champion Paulie Malignaggi, who has opened up to talkSPORT about the all-American mega-fight.

Stevenson will step up to 140lbs to take on the huge task of dethroning current WBO champion Lopez under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden in New York this weekend.

The American is considered by many as one of the most gifted operators currently in the sport, particularly from the US.

A slick-moving fast handed talent, the three-weight world champion faces comparison to retired undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather.

Malignaggi subscribes to that notion and firmly believes the hype is justified, ranking him as one of the pound-for-pound best right now.

He told talkSPORT: “Shakur for me is a fighter I’d always look at to be the best fighter in the sport.

“He is like this generation’s Floyd Mayweather. He hasn’t been given the opportunities, they’ve avoided him.

“He’s a world class fighter, and I think this is fight is between two world class fighters in their prime.

“I look at Stevenson, I say this guy is the future of boxing and he will carry the sport.

“To watch these two, among the best in the world, is going to be fantastic. Two pound-for-pound top fighters.

talkSPORT verdict – who wins Lopez or Stevenson?

The pair can barely be separated by the boxing community, hence the excitement surrounding a truly well-matched showdown.

Terence Crawford - Instagram

Lopez of course has more natural experience at 140lbs, having picked up the title and made three defences of his title.

The pair have sparred in the past, another fascinating pre-fight narrative that is set to grip proceedings.

Malignaggi believes that Lopez has the tools to give Stevenson real problems, and come closest to challenging his unbeaten record.

He said: “Teofimo Lopez has these subtle attributes and explosive power and athleticism.

“He beat Vasyl Lomachenko for real, on his night he is almost unbeatable. I think Teofimo brings his own attributes to the table.

“I think if there is somebody on a certain night who can do it, it would be Lopez. But if you count him out, he’s surprised a lot of people.

Ed Mulholland//Matchroom

“I believe in Stevenson, but on his night Teofimo can beat anyone in the world.”

Why is Stevenson vs Lopez such a huge fight?

The US pairing have been rivals for several years and are two of the most prominent names in the sport stateside.

For Stevenson it also represents perhaps the biggest commercial opportunity he has received yet in his career.

And as for the victor, it will represent a huge push for a worthy space in the leading section of the pound-for-pound rankings.

Furthermore, victory will set up some huge unification clashes.

This includes newly crowned champion Dalton Smith, who is expected ringside to challenge the winner.