HOSPITALIZED: Teofimo Lopez in SERIOUS CONDITION After Shakur Stevenson Fight
Las Vegas, Nevada – February 2, 2026 — Former unified lightweight champion and former junior welterweight titlist Teofimo Lopez was rushed to University Medical Center in Las Vegas late Saturday night in serious but stable condition following his unanimous decision loss to Shakur Stevenson at T-Mobile Arena. Medical sources close to the situation have confirmed that Lopez suffered a severe orbital fracture, a broken jaw in two places, and a grade 2 concussion during the bout. Doctors performed emergency surgery to insert two titanium plates in his jaw and are closely monitoring him for potential brain swelling.
The fight itself was a one-sided masterclass by Stevenson (23-0, 10 KOs), who out-landed Lopez 214–87 in total punches and 98–41 in power shots according to CompuBox. Lopez (20-3, 13 KOs) was dropped twice in the fifth round and absorbed heavy punishment throughout, particularly to the head and body. Despite the clear dominance, Lopez fought through the final bell, displaying the same heart that once carried him to victory over Vasyl Lomachenko in 2020.
Immediately after the decision was announced—120-108, 120-108, 119-109—all for Stevenson—Lopez collapsed to one knee in his corner. Ringside physicians rushed to him as he clutched his face. Blood was visible from his mouth and nose. He was helped to his feet but appeared disoriented and unable to stand unaided. Paramedics were called to ringside within seconds. Lopez was placed on a stretcher and transported directly to the hospital, bypassing the post-fight press conference and interviews.
Hospital sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to patient privacy laws, confirmed that Lopez arrived with significant facial swelling, difficulty speaking, and complaints of severe headache and nausea—classic signs of concussion. CT scans revealed the orbital fracture around the left eye socket and the double mandibular fracture. Surgeons operated for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to stabilize the jaw with titanium plates and screws. He remains in the ICU under observation for neurological changes.
Lopez’s father and former trainer, Teofimo Lopez Sr., was seen leaving the hospital visibly shaken early Sunday morning. He told reporters outside: “My son is a warrior. He took a beating no man should take. But he’s strong. He’s going to be okay. This is not the end.”
Lopez’s mother, Jenny Lopez-Suarez, posted a photo of herself praying in the hospital chapel with the caption: “God, please protect my baby. He gave everything tonight. We need prayers.”
The boxing community reacted with an outpouring of concern and support. Canelo Álvarez posted: “Teofimo is a true fighter. Praying for a full recovery, brother.” Terence Crawford wrote: “This sport can be cruel. Sending love and strength to Teo and his family.” Gervonta Davis, who once called out Lopez, tweeted: “Get well soon, champ. You showed heart tonight.”
Shakur Stevenson, the victorious fighter, spoke emotionally at the post-fight press conference: “I never wanted to hurt him like that. Teofimo is one of the toughest guys I’ve ever fought. I respect him. I pray he’s okay. This is bigger than boxing.”
The Nevada Athletic Commission immediately placed Lopez on indefinite medical suspension pending further evaluation. A mandatory neurological exam and clearance from multiple specialists will be required before he can even consider returning to training, let alone competition.
Medical experts have weighed in on the severity. Dr. Margaret Goodman, a longtime ringside physician and former Nevada Athletic Commission member, told ESPN: “A double mandibular fracture combined with an orbital fracture and concussion is very serious. The orbital fracture alone can cause vision issues if not managed properly. The concussion symptoms—nausea, headache, disorientation—mean he’s at high risk for second-impact syndrome if he returns too soon. Six to twelve months is realistic for full recovery, and even then there may be permanent effects.”
Lopez’s recent career trajectory had already raised concerns about his long-term health. After the 2020 upset of Lomachenko, he suffered a controversial loss to George Kambosos Jr., a clear defeat to Arnold Barboza Jr., and now this lopsided loss to Stevenson. Each fight seemed to take a visible toll. He had spoken openly about depression, family pressures, and the mental strain of being a public figure since his early twenties.
The incident has reignited debate about fighter safety in boxing. Critics point to the 12-round distance, the clear one-sided nature of the bout, and the late stoppage as contributing factors. Supporters of the referee argue that Lopez never indicated he could not continue and that he rose from both knockdowns.
Promoter Eddie Hearn, whose Matchroom Boxing co-promoted the event, released a statement: “Teofimo is a warrior and a true professional. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. We will fully support any measures to ensure his health and recovery.”
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who guided Lopez earlier in his career, said: “This is heartbreaking. Teofimo has given everything to this sport. We need to protect our fighters better. This fight should have been stopped earlier.”
For now, the focus remains on Lopez’s recovery. Doctors are optimistic about the surgery’s success, but the road ahead will be long. He faces months of wired jaw, liquid diet, speech therapy, and neurological monitoring. Whether he ever returns to the ring is uncertain—and for many who watched him Saturday night, that question may no longer matter.
What matters is that a 28-year-old father, son, and once-dominant champion receives the care he needs to heal.
The boxing world waits, watches, and prays.
Get well soon, Teofimo.