Ryan Garcia has reignited talk of a blockbuster showdown after calling out Shakur Stevenson in emphatic fashion. The WBC welterweight champion made it clear he does not have the Newark native in high regard.
‘King Ryan’ currently operates at 147 pounds, where he holds the WBC title, while Stevenson has built his reputation as a multi-weight world champion across lighter divisions. His most recent outing came at 140 pounds against Teofimo Lopez, underlining the gap between the two.
Despite that difference, Garcia’s comments suggest he is willing to bridge it. The potential matchup would require movement in weight or a catchweight agreement, but the narrative around the fight is already building.
Ryan Garcia takes aim at Shakur Stevenson in blunt callout
Speaking during a livestream alongside David Benavidez, Garcia did not hold back when discussing Stevenson.
“I really wanted to fight Shakur bad. I just don’t like those people that think they’re like [the best]. You’re not the best, bro, you’re not even showing that you’re like that.
“It’s one thing to win a fight to another thing to show like that. And he’s out here saying, ‘Oh, I’m the best.’ Bro, you’re not the best.
“There’s a lot of guys who are monsters, bro. You’re not a monster, but I feel you’re like a puppy,” the 27-year-old concluded.
Shakur Stevenson already criticised Ryan Garcia over rankings debate
The tension between the two has been building, with Stevenson recently taking aim at Garcia from a different angle. He questioned The Ring Magazine’s welterweight rankings after Garcia was placed above Rolando Romero.
Stevenson pointed out that Romero defeated ‘King Ryan’ by unanimous decision in May 2025, arguing the list failed to reflect recent results.
That exchange may have helped turn a potential fight into a developing rivalry. If the weight issue can be resolved, the matchup would combine elite skill with a growing personal narrative.