TLDR
- Ryan Garcia’s father suggested his son would return to 140 pounds to face Shakur Stevenson instead of pursuing a Devin Haney rematch
- Shakur Stevenson responded with ‘I’m down’ to the proposal, agreeing to fight at junior welterweight without conditions
- Stevenson previously wanted a rehydration clause for welterweight fights against bigger opponents
- A fight at 140 pounds removes the need for special contractual protections that complicated earlier negotiations
- Garcia must first face WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on February 21 before any Stevenson fight can happen
Sources: espn.com | boxing247.com
A potential fight between Ryan Garcia and Shakur Stevenson moved closer to reality after Garcia’s camp suggested returning to 140 pounds. Stevenson’s two-word response—’I’m down’—may have removed the biggest hurdle to making the bout happen.
Henry Garcia, Ryan’s father, said on a boxing podcast that his son would prefer to face Stevenson at junior welterweight rather than chase a rematch with Devin Haney at welterweight. The weight class change addresses a key issue that previously blocked negotiations between the two fighters.
Stevenson had made clear he wanted a rehydration clause for any fight at 147 pounds against bigger opponents like Garcia or Conor Benn. Such clauses limit how much weight fighters can gain back after the official weigh-in, helping to prevent size mismatches.
A fight at 140 pounds eliminates the need for those protections. At junior welterweight, both fighters would be on equal physical terms without requiring special contract conditions.
Garcia’s Immediate Challenge at Welterweight
Garcia currently has business to handle at welterweight before any Stevenson fight can materialize. He challenges Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title on February 21 in Las Vegas.
The fight represents Garcia’s best opportunity to capture his first major world title. His biggest career win came against Haney in April 2024, but that victory was erased from his record after Garcia tested positive for a banned substance.
Garcia, who is 26 years old, has long been considered one of boxing’s most talented fighters with elite hand speed and devastating power. However, his career has been marked by controversy and inconsistency outside the ring.
Barrios uses his 6-foot height and 71-inch reach to control distance against opponents. The champion has not scored a knockout since 2023 and fought to draws in his last two outings against Manny Pacquiao and Abel Ramos.
Stevenson’s Position on Fight Terms
Stevenson, 27, holds a record of 22-0 and is considered one of the sport’s top technical boxers. He has captured world titles at featherweight, junior lightweight, and lightweight during his career.
The Newark native has been seeking a marquee fight to elevate his profile. His willingness to accept the Garcia fight without conditions at 140 pounds represents a shift in the negotiation dynamic.
Previously, Garcia’s side would have needed to agree to weight restrictions for a welterweight bout. Now the responsibility shifts to Garcia to make the weight cut back down to junior welterweight.
No formal agreement exists between the two camps yet. Garcia must first get past Barrios, and other opportunities could pull him in different directions depending on that outcome.
The immediate focus remains on Garcia’s February 21 title fight in Las Vegas. Any potential matchup with Stevenson would have to wait until after that bout and depend on Garcia’s willingness to return to 140 pounds.
