The three-division world champion steps up in pursuit of a fourth class to conquer on January 31, challenging for his rival's WBO super lightweight title.

It marks the first fight for the star since a July victory by unanimous decision over Zepeda at The Ring III, where he was made to work for his victory.

Speaking at a Wednesday press conference frequently interrupted by Lopez's father, Teo Sr., Stevenson vowed to show improvement this time around.

"I will be a hundred times better come fight night against Teofimo Lopez than I was against William Zepeda," he told reporters. "A thousand times better.

"Faster, sharper, stronger. I'm going to expose him. I want to show the world I'm the best. I want to be considered a top-five pound-for-pound fighter.

"I think he doesn't realise how good I am. Come fight night, I'm going to take it to another level he hasn't seen before. I see weaknesses in his game."

Stevenson was further embroiled in a war of words with the elder Lopez, who he instructed "better not throw the towel in," infuriating the older man.

The Newark native further warned his rival not to expect him to replicate the performances of former foes Vasiliy Lomachenko and Josh Taylor too.

"They say Teo has never lost to a southpaw," he added. "I've never lost to an orthodox. If he's expecting Lomachenko or Taylor, it ain't going to happen."

Favourite Stevenson pledges improvements as legacy looms

DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel

Plenty of words repeat when you're in an echo chamber the size of an empty Madison Square Garden - and Shakur Stevenson is saying nothing new.

But the three-weight world champion doesn't have to. His pursuit of pound-for-pound greatness means he is already assured of a page in boxing history.

What the star wants now is more than that - his own chapter and verse in the good book itself, and he feels this represents the best chance to write it.

Compared to the Cheshire Cat-esque langour of Teofimo Lopez and the motormouth absurdities of Teo Sr., Stevenson cut the cleaner line on Wednesday.

Yet few will mistake a comparative lack of comic-book character for disinterest. The favourite is convinced he has his rival's number - and he might do too.

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