Shakur Names His Condition For A Ryan Garcia Fight

Shakur Stevenson has responded to Ryan Garcia’s recent callout, signaling his willingness to have the fight. 

Shakur is fresh off a win over Teofimo Lopez—which saw him become a four-division world champion. While Garcia is currently focused on his February 21 title challenge against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, he recently named Stevenson as his preferred future opponent, even suggesting a 144-pound catchweight.

Given Garcia’s 2024 controversy—where his victory over Devin Haney was overturned to a no-contest following a positive test for Ostarine—Stevenson has made the following demand. Stevenson stated he is “down” for the fight, but only if it includes full VADA testing. 

While Garcia proposed 144 lbs to split the difference between junior welterweight and welterweight, Stevenson has previously hinted at requiring a rehydration clause for any bout above 140 lbs to prevent significant size mismatches. If the Garcia fight does not happen, Shakur has said he would face Conor Benn at 147 if he takes a 10-pound rehydration clause. Benn has now responded to that, indicating his desire to make the fight.

Benn Reacts

“If he’s going to call me out, I’m going to make my presence known. I want Shakur next. I was talking to him and he was adamant he wants the rehydration clause. I said I’ll do it if the number is right. No problem. I’m disciplined, it’s unquestioned.

“You won’t see me doing any Eubank business posting for sympathy. I’ll do the weight properly and ultimately it comes at a price. Do I fancy that fight? Yes because I love the challenge of it. “He’s a future pound-for-pound great. I think he’s too small. I wouldn’t try and box him, I’d just steam straight into him and fight him and take it to him and rough him up. I’ll get a contract over to Shakur this week. I won’t wait for him to send me one, I’ll get one over to him this week. Guaranteed,” Benn stated

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