Despite the weight limit previously being a major sticking point for a fight between Shakur Stevenson and Ryan Garcia, the pair seem to now be on the same page.
Stevenson comfortably overcame Teofimo Lopez back in January to capture the WBO super-lightweight world title and become a four-division world champion at the age of just 28, rising in the pound-for-pound ratings as a result.
Since then, Stevenson has been linked to a host of fights, perhaps none bigger than with Ryan Garcia, but the Newark southpaw has maintained that he would either like to meet at a 144lbs catchweight, or want a rehydration clause in any fights up at 147lbs.
However, speaking on ESPN’s ‘First Take’, Garcia revealed that he has been informed by his team that he would be able to move down to Stevenson’s division in a challenge for world honours at super-lightweight.
“My strength and conditioning coach thinks and believes that I can make 140lbs comfortably. I trust the people in my team around me, if the opportunity presents itself, I would love to fight Shakur.”
It may be wishful thinking, as Garcia’s last attempt to make the super-lightweight limit came against Devin Haney in 2023, when he tipped the scales 3lbs over.
Regardless, Stevenson responded quickly n social media, extremely keen to accept the challenge.
“So then what we waiting for? Let’s get active Ryan Garcia.”
Whilst Stevenson-Garcia would be a huge event, the Californian is expected to remain at welterweight to fulfil his WBC mandatory against Conor Benn, whom he has announced he will fight in September.
It leaves options for Stevenson, who also has eyes on Devin Haney, requiring a move up, and Raymond Muratalla, meaning a drop back down to lightweight. In the end, he may decide to stick at 140lbs to defend his WBO belt.
