Ryan Garcia Captures WBC Welterweight Crown with Dominant Victory
In a thrilling return to form, Ryan Garcia secured a decisive unanimous decision victory over Mario Barrios at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The impressive performance saw the 27-year-old boxer crowned as the new WBC welterweight champion, marking a significant milestone in his career after recent setbacks.
Immediate Call-Out to Shakur Stevenson Sparks Global Excitement
Following his championship win, Garcia wasted no time in targeting bigger opponents, specifically mentioning WBO and The Ring junior welterweight champion Shakur Stevenson. This bold declaration immediately generated substantial excitement among boxing enthusiasts worldwide, setting the stage for a potential blockbuster matchup between two of the sport's most prominent young stars.
Terence Crawford Voices Concerns About Garcia's Chances
The proposed fight has already attracted commentary from top-tier fighters, with undisputed champion Terence Crawford sharing his perspective during a DAZN broadcast. Crawford expressed skepticism about Garcia's ability to handle Stevenson's defensive prowess and technical skill, suggesting the matchup would present a much greater challenge than the Barrios fight.
Crawford elaborated: "I think he wiped the floor with him. You know, I don't think Ryan's gonna be able to hit Shakur like Barrios. Barrios was right there to be hit. Barrios was too slow. They have no game plan. He followed them the whole fight, and Shakur is not going to be that fighter to be hit on. It's simple."
Analytical Breakdown of Potential Fight Dynamics
While Garcia demonstrated sharp skills against Barrios, effectively controlling distance and landing clean punches, Stevenson presents a different challenge entirely. Known for exceptional speed, movement, and defensive capabilities, many boxing analysts believe these attributes could prove decisive in determining the outcome of a potential bout between the two champions.
Complications from WBC Mandatory Challenger Situation
The path to a Garcia-Stevenson fight faces additional complications due to WBC requirements. Following Conor Benn's victory over Chris Eubank Jr., the sanctioning body has officially designated Benn as the mandatory challenger for Garcia's newly acquired WBC title. This development means Garcia may need to defend his championship against Benn before pursuing a high-profile showdown with Stevenson.
Stevenson Sets Conditions and References Past Controversy
Stevenson has already outlined specific conditions for a potential fight, stating: "Was VADA involved in this fight? I saw him with Rolly, he didn't look like that. If he's fighting me next, I'm all for the challenge, but VADA will be involved. We'll meet in the middle [144 lbs]. Two big stars, we don't need a belt for the fight."
These comments directly reference Garcia's previous controversy, where his 2024 victory over Devin Haney was overturned to a no-contest after Garcia tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs, resulting in a 12-month suspension from competition.
Stevenson's Impressive Credentials and Current Standing
Shakur Stevenson currently maintains a perfect professional record of 25-0, recently capturing the WBO and The Ring junior welterweight titles with a victory over Teofimo Lopez. His undefeated status combined with exceptional defensive abilities has led many boxing experts to consider him the likely favorite should a fight with Garcia materialize.
Decision Point for Garcia's Next Career Move
At present, no official announcement has been made regarding Garcia's next opponent. The newly crowned champion faces a critical decision: whether to fulfill his WBC mandatory defense obligation against Conor Benn or pursue the lucrative and high-profile bout with Shakur Stevenson that has captured the imagination of the boxing world.
