While Teofimo Lopez Jr. and Shakur Stevenson work behind the scenes to secure a highly anticipated matchup, two of the most skilled stars in the sport continue to build up their bout in public.

On Tuesday, Lopez and Stevenson went back and forth with each other on social media.

"Destiny is calling. I can feel it," wrote Stevenson. "Four-division champion on the way."

Soon afterward, Lopez replied: "I’m putting you to sleep for all the times you put your fans to sleep with your performances! Sorry ass [expletive]. I got a new nickname for you: Mr. Sandman."

Stevenson responded by saying: "You stopped zero people at 140. Now you’re gone, put me to sleep? Teofimo, your time is up. I hope you enjoyed your run – four-division champion on the way."

The WBC lightweight champion Stevenson (24-0, 11 KOs) and The Ring and WBO junior welterweight champion Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) have consistently alluded in recent weeks that they are supposed to be fighting each other next.

In September, they were front and center on “Inside The Ring” promoting their pitting.

The former lightweight champion Lopez's run at 140 pounds has featured five consecutive decision wins since stopping Pedro Campa during his division debut in 2022. Lopez’s most recent win was against Arnold Barboza Jr. in May during The Ring card in Times Square, New York.

Stevenson, meanwhile, scored one of the finest performances of his career in July on the Ring III card by beating William Segura via unanimous decision. He is currently ranked No. 8 on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list.

"Pound-for-pound, I’m going to beat the man at 140, get the Ring Magazine belt, and laugh at all who doubted," said Stevenson. "No tune ups, no fights to get comfortable at the weight — just big balls and big dreams."