Teofimo Lopez backs Manny Pacquiao to test Shakur Stevenson

Teofimo Lopez believes Manny Pacquiao could give Shakur Stevenson a serious test if the two southpaws meet in the ring. The former world champion offered his view as speculation grows around a possible fight between the Filipino veteran and the unbeaten American.

Lopez said Pacquiao remains capable of producing a competitive performance against Stevenson. He pointed to Pacquiao’s display against Mario Barrios as evidence that the eight-division world champion still has the qualities required for a demanding contest.

Pacquiao faced Barrios in a bout for the WBC welterweight title, and Lopez felt the Filipino deserved to have his hand raised. He also said he would have preferred to see Pacquiao face Ryan Garcia for that championship.

The potential Stevenson fight would require the younger boxer to move up to the 147-pound division. Stevenson has chosen not to step up to welterweight this year, although Pacquiao is one of the names considered capable of persuading him to make the change.

Pacquiao has recently been linked with a professional rematch against Floyd Mayweather and with a challenge for Liam Paro’s IBF welterweight belt. Neither route currently appears available, with Mayweather involved in legal matters and Paro being linked to other unification possibilities.

Stevenson is also searching for his next opponent after signing with Zuffa Boxing. A meeting with fellow super-lightweight champion Gary Antuanne Russell has been discussed, leaving the Pacquiao proposal as one of several possible directions for the American.

Lopez’s assessment is that Pacquiao’s experience and technical ability could make the contest difficult for Stevenson, despite the difference in age and the proposed move to a heavier division. He described the matchup as a technical battle between two left-handers rather than dismissing Pacquiao’s chances.