Shakur Stevenson is making it quite clear that he will fight anybody.
The pound-for-pound talent recently became a four-weight world champion at the age of 28 with a dominant points win over Teofimo Lopez. Stevenson now holds the WBO world title at 140lbs, and has been stripped of his WBC belt at 135.
Riding high from that win, and for good reason, the Newark southpaw has been calling out fighters left, right and centre, one being Ryan Garcia. Garcia, who challenges for the WBC Welterweight World Title held by Mario Barrios next weekend in Las Vegas, also wants it to happen.
Speaking to the Ring Magazine just over a week out from his title effort, Garcia confirmed Stevenson as his next target.
“I really want to fight Shakur. [The Haney rematch] is always gonna be there, but that’s who I want to fight. I want to go from Barrios to Shakur … 144. I’ll make a whole division called 44. Me and Shakur. He said he’d do it. I know he’s confident, so let’s run it.”
Speaking on X shortly after Garcia’s words went live, Stevenson said:
“144 Ryan, let’s do it… I’ll be at your fight now scrub! VADA will be involved so don’t run from that.”
His mention of the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency alludes to Garcia’s previous failed test that saw his victory over Devin Haney overturned to a no contest. Stevenson then followed up with a promise.
I’m gone cook Ryan badly remember I said it
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) February 13, 2026
A lot must happen for these fighting words to turn into something concrete. Garcia first has a challenge in Barrios, who looks to retain his world title with a win for the first time following two draws.
Next, Stevenson seems to be committing himself to numerous match-ups and must settle on a route. He has expressed an interest in Isaac Cruz and Conor Benn, and may look at other champions in the super-lightweight ranks to unify.
