Terence Crawford believes there are fighters out there who can test Shakur Stevenson, but does he consider Ryan Garcia one of them?
Stevenson remains undefeated in 25 fights, having captured world titles in four divisions. He currently holds the WBO super lightweight world title having comprehensively beaten Teofimo Lopez earlier this year, and is in search of the biggest fight to kick off his new promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing.
Speaking on The Real Report podcast, Crawford, a friend, mentor and training partner of Stevenson’s, highlighted the best in and around the 140lbs class.
“[Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney] those two fighters are gonna make each other great and it’s gonna be a tough for both of them. Throw Keyshawn [Davis] in there, Tank in there, it’s gonna be hell as well. Those guys right there are holding the keys to 135 and 140.”
Asked if WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia should be in that mix, Crawford said no.
“Ryan Garcia ain’t gonna beat them guys.”
Crawford brushed off Garcia’s victory over Haney, subsequently overturned to a no contest when he failed a doping test, saying Haney ‘wasn’t as focused’ as he could’ve been.
Garcia remains adamant that he wants the Stevenson fight, however, the weight continues to be an issue, with Shakur only willing to go as high as a 144lbs catchweight for now rather than jumping straight up to welterweight. That same demand is preventing a clash with Haney.
In the meantime, Garcia is set to make the first defence of his title against Conor Benn on September 12 in Las Vegas.
