Terence Crawford doubts Ryan Garcia’s chances against Shakur Stevenson after WBC title win against Mario Barrios

Ryan Garcia returned to winning ways with a strong performance in Las Vegas. He defeated Mario Barrios by unanimous decision at the T-Mobile Arena. The victory crowned the 27-year-old as the new WBC welterweight champion. After the fight, Garcia quickly called for bigger opponents. One of the names he mentioned was WBO and The Ring junior welterweight champion Shakur Stevenson, creating excitement among boxing fans around the world immediately.

The possible matchup has already attracted opinions from top fighters. Undisputed champion Terence Crawford shared his view during a DAZN broadcast. Crawford believes Stevenson would be a much tougher opponent than Barrios. According to him, Garcia’s style may struggle against a defensive and technically skilled boxer. Meanwhile, the situation is complicated because Conor Benn is also positioned as the mandatory challenger for Garcia’s newly won WBC title soon.

Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson raise concerns over potential mega-fight

Terence Crawford openly backed Shakur Stevenson to win a potential fight. He said, “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.”

Garcia looked sharp against Barrios, controlling distance and landing clean punches. However, Stevenson is known for speed, movement and defensive skills. Many analysts believe that difference could define the fight.

The WBC situation also adds uncertainty. After Conor Benn defeated Chris Eubank Jr., the sanctioning body named him the mandatory challenger. That means Garcia might have to defend his belt against Benn before facing Stevenson.

Stevenson also spoke about conditions for the fight. He said, “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.”

His comments relate to Garcia’s past controversy. After beating Devin Haney in 2024, the result became a no-contest when Garcia tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and received a 12-month suspension.

Stevenson currently holds a perfect 25-0 professional record. He recently defeated Teofimo Lopez to capture the WBO and The Ring junior welterweight titles. Because of his unbeaten record and defensive ability, many experts believe he would start as favorite if the fight is confirmed.

For now, no official announcement has been made. Garcia must first decide whether to defend his WBC belt against Benn or pursue a high-profile bout with Stevenson.





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