Shakur Stevenson has effectively been accused of ducking a current world champion, who claims the American is too “scared” to face him.
There is scant evidence to suggest that Stevenson is partial to swerving elite opposition, especially after he moved up in weight to dethrone Teofimo Lopez in January.
But still, the 28-year-old has nonetheless been called out for his lack of interest in a potential shot at gaining five-division world champion status.
Instead, Stevenson has expressed his desire to move back down to 135lbs, wishing to become a three-weight Ring Magazine champion against IBF titlist Raymond Muratalla. This much was made clear during his latest interview with Joe Rogan, where the pound-for-pound star stated that would be the ideal scenario for his next fight.
It would therefore appear that Stevenson has lost interest in a showdown with Ryan Garcia, who he was previously open to facing at a catchweight of 144lbs.
Since then, though, the newly-crowned WBC welterweight champion’s father and trainer, Henry Garcia, has insisted that Stevenson must meet his son at 147lbs.
Clearly feeling that such a weight jump is unnecessary, at least at this stage of his career, Stevenson has seemingly decided to focus on a return to lightweight.
In response to this, Garcia has taken to social media in an attempt to goad his rival, or at least express his frustration that their showdown appears increasingly less likely.
“Just say you scared Shakur. The new [nickname] for you is [Shakur] shaking ass Stevenson.”
Just say you scared Shakur the new nick name for you is shakur shaking ass Stevenson
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) March 6, 2026
