Ryan Garcia has rejected Shakur Stevenson’s proposal for a 144-pound catchweight, making it clear he wants a full-fledged title fight at 140 pounds.
The newly crowned WBC welterweight champion has targeted Stevenson, the unbeaten WBO, lineal and RING champion at junior welterweight. Stevenson publicly expressed willingness to face Garcia next, suggesting a 144-pound limit along with full VADA testing. Garcia, however, dismissed the compromise.
“Forget the catchweight shit,” Garcia said. “Let’s do it [for real]. I want to take your belt and snatch it right off you.”
Garcia, who previously campaigned at 140 from 2022 to 2024, has fought his last two bouts at welterweight, including a dominant win over Mario Barrios where he weighed 146.5 pounds. Despite recent struggles making junior welterweight - including a failed weight attempt ahead of his 2024 bout with Devin Haney and a one-year suspension after testing positive for ostarine - Garcia insists he can return to 140 under the right terms.
“As long as there’s no rehydration clause things will be going forward,” Garcia said. “Testing always included, I’ve never [shied] away from that. For Shakur to assume I’m on steroids, that is defamation… I’m coming for you. Fear the lord.”
Image Credit: Golden Boy