Shakur Stevenson: Crawford Says 'He Wipes the Floor With Him' After Garcia's WBC Win
After winning his first world title, Ryan Garcia was quick to call out pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson, setting up a high-profile showdown that now feels part promise, part logistical puzzle. The win and a ringing endorsement from a former undisputed champion have refocused attention on the welterweight landscape.
Garcia's breakout: WBC belt at 147lbs and what it means
Ryan Garcia dominated proceedings against Mario Barrios to win the WBC belt at 147lbs, delivering on his potential after some years of blowing hot and cold. The performance was described as spectacular and adds yet more intrigue to welterweight and the surrounding divisions as contenders and champions reshuffle their priorities.
Terence Crawford's post-fight verdict
On the post-fight broadcast, former undisputed champion at the weight Terence Crawford praised Garcia's performance while stressing that Barrios was not as strong an opponent as he expected. Crawford said he was surprised how Barrios looked and that 'Ryan showed he can box a little. He got the job done in spectacular fashion. '
When pushed on a potential showdown between Garcia and Shakur Stevenson, Crawford backed Garcia emphatically, saying 'I think he'll wipe the floor with him. ' Crawford argued that Garcia will not be able to land on a different opponent the way he did on Barrios because, in Crawford's view, 'Barrios is there to be hit. He was too slow and had no game plan. Shakur is not going to be there to be hit. It's simple. ' The context lists Stevenson as 'his friend and training partner'; which person that applies to is unclear in the provided context.
Shakur Stevenson catchweight demand clouds prospects
Whether or not the fight materialises remains to be seen, particularly with Shakur Stevenson’s demand for it to take place at a catchweight of 144lbs — something Garcia may struggle with. That single detail introduces a clear negotiation hurdle even as both fighters and their teams weigh risk, reward and legacy implications.
Alternative options for Garcia and Stevenson
Both men have options beyond a head-to-head meeting. Garcia, in particular, could pursue a rematch with Devin Haney that now has the added credentials of two world titles. That path presents a different kind of opportunity for Garcia to consolidate status rather than risk a catchweight fight that may not suit him.
Separately, Conor Benn, who made the headlines this week after a controversial big money move to Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, remains an option for both fighters. That development further complicates the matchmaking picture and expands the set of commercially attractive bouts available to each man.
What comes next and the likely timetable
Promoters, managers and fighters now face a choice-driven calendar: pursue legacy-defining matchups, chase lucrative alternatives, or negotiate around weight demands that could scuttle marquee fights. The immediate next steps are unclear in the provided context, and timelines for any bout proposals have not been specified.
Outlook
Garcia's rise to a first world title at 147lbs and strong public support from a former undisputed champion have reopened the debate about where top lightweight and welterweight talent should meet. Shakur Stevenson remains central to that debate, but his 144lbs catchweight demand and competing options for Garcia mean that talk of a showdown may yet remain speculative until formal negotiations are announced. Recent updates indicate interest and opinion are strong; details may evolve.
