After winning his first world title, Ryan Garcia was quick to call out pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson.
Garcia dominated proceedings against Mario Barrios to win the WBC belt at 147lbs, delivering on his potential after some years of blowing hot and cold. The performance adds yet more intrigue to welterweight and the surrounding divisions.
Speaking on the DAZN broadcast post-fight, former undisputed champion at the weight, Terence Crawford, praised Garcia’s performance, but said that Barrios was not as good as he thought he would be.
“I was surprised how Barrios looked. I thought he was going to do better. Ryan showed he can box a little. He got the job done in spectacular fashion.”
Asked about a potential fight against his friend and training partner, Stevenson, Crawford of course backed his man to win in emphatic fashion.
“I think he’ll wipe the floor with him. Ryan won’t be able to hit Shakur like Barrios. Barrios is there to be hit. He was too slow and had no game plan. Shakur is not going to be there to be hit. It’s simple.”
Whether or not the fight materialises remains to be seen, particularly with Stevenson’s demand for it to take place at a catchweight of 144lbs – something Garcia may struggle with.
Both men have options, particularly Garcia, who could pursue a rematch with Devin Haney that now has the added credentials of two world titles. Conor Benn, who made the headlines this week after a controversial big money move to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, remains an option for both
