Shakur Stevenson Dismisses Ryan Garcia Over Potential 144 Showdown

Stevenson says Garcia is "overrated" and needs to "sharpen up his weapons" before facing him.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Shakur Stevenson has dismissed his old amateur rival Ryan Garcia, saying he is "overrated" and needs to improve his skills before a potential showdown at 144 pounds. Stevenson's comments came after Garcia called him out on social media, with Stevenson responding that he'll be at Garcia's upcoming fight against Mario Barrios and that VADA testing will be involved. Stevenson also called out Conor Benn, saying he wants the same rehydration clause Benn put on Chris Eubank Jr. and that Benn is "food" for him.

Why it matters

This back-and-forth between two of boxing's rising stars adds intrigue to the sport, as fans speculate about potential matchups between Stevenson, Garcia, and Benn. The comments also highlight the competitive nature of the sport and the willingness of these fighters to call each other out.

The details

Stevenson, the undefeated former WBC lightweight champion, appeared on The Stephen A. Smith Show and dismissed Garcia's skills, saying that all Garcia has is his left hook and that he was clearly exposed in his loss to Rolly Romero. Stevenson also called out Benn, saying he wants the same rehydration clause Benn put on Eubank Jr. and that Benn is "food" for him. Benn then confronted Stevenson in the ring, telling him he's "too small" and that he'll "rough him up."

  • On February 21, Ryan Garcia challenges Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title.
  • Stevenson made his comments on The Stephen A. Smith Show.

The players

Shakur Stevenson

An undefeated American professional boxer who has held multiple world championships, including the WBC lightweight title.

Ryan Garcia

A rising American professional boxer who has a 24-2 record with 20 knockouts and is challenging for the WBC welterweight title on February 21.

Conor Benn

A British professional boxer who has called out Stevenson and said he is "too small" and that he'll "rough him up."

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“144 Ryan let's do it.. I'll be at your fight now scrub! Vada will be involved so don't run from that.”

— Shakur Stevenson (X)

“I think he's very overrated. If a guy loses to Rolly that way...The way that I saw him lose to Rolly. All Rolly did was take away his left hook. That means clearly that's all he got. He better sharpen up his weapons before he gets in the ring with me”

— Shakur Stevenson (The Stephen A. Smith Show)

“You're too small for me. You're tiny, you're tiny. You can't punch. You can't keep me off of you. I'll rough you up.”

— Conor Benn (DAZN Broadcast)

“Sign the contract. Let's make it happen. Eddie (Hearn), I want him, he's food.”

— Shakur Stevenson (DAZN Broadcast)

What’s next

It remains to be seen what Shakur Stevenson does next, as he has called out both Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn for potential fights. A showdown with either fighter would be a highly anticipated matchup in the sport of boxing.

The takeaway

This back-and-forth between Stevenson, Garcia, and Benn highlights the competitive nature of the boxing world and the willingness of these rising stars to call each other out. Fans will be eagerly awaiting to see if any of these potential matchups come to fruition in the near future.