Ryan Garcia Calls Out Shakur Stevenson After WBC Welterweight Win

Stevenson Sets Strict Conditions for Potential Superfight

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a boxing match between two figures, their movements and actions fractured and deconstructed into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a vibrant color palette of red, blue, and yellow.The potential clash between two of boxing's biggest stars promises to be a high-stakes, multi-dimensional battle both in and out of the ring.Las Vegas Today

Just moments after securing the WBC welterweight championship, Ryan Garcia boldly challenged Shakur Stevenson, the world's number three pound-for-pound fighter, to a highly anticipated showdown. However, Stevenson has laid down strict conditions, including a non-negotiable demand for VADA involvement to ensure a clean bout, following Garcia's 2024 drug test failure.

Why it matters

This potential superfight between two of boxing's biggest stars has already sparked heated debates, with questions surrounding Garcia's recent physique changes and Stevenson's motives for the VADA demand. The outcome could have major implications for the welterweight division and the future of both fighters' careers.

The details

Garcia's victory over Mario Barrios was dominant, with judges scoring the fight 119-108, 120-107, and 118-109 in his favor. In his post-fight interview, Garcia wasted no time in calling out Stevenson, who was seated ringside. Stevenson acknowledged Garcia's challenge, but has since made it clear that VADA testing will be a non-negotiable condition for the fight, citing concerns over Garcia's previous drug test failure. The two fighters have exchanged verbal jabs, with Garcia expressing confidence in his ability to defeat Stevenson, while Stevenson has questioned the legitimacy of Garcia's recent physical transformation.

  • On April 11, 2026, Ryan Garcia secured the WBC welterweight championship with a decisive victory over Mario Barrios.
  • Immediately after the fight, Garcia called out Shakur Stevenson, who was in attendance at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The players

Ryan Garcia

A 27-year-old boxer who recently won the WBC welterweight championship, Garcia has a history of drug test failures and is now seeking a high-profile showdown with Shakur Stevenson.

Shakur Stevenson

The world's number three pound-for-pound fighter, Stevenson has won world championships in four weight classes and is now demanding strict VADA testing as a condition for a potential fight with Garcia.

Mario Barrios

The boxer who lost to Ryan Garcia in the WBC welterweight championship fight.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“You know who I want. He's right there. Shakur Stevenson. Let's go. Let's run that s,'”

— Ryan Garcia

“If he's fighting me next, I'm all for the challenge, but VADA will be involved. We'll meet in the middle [144lbs]. No belts needed—this is about two big stars clashing.”

— Shakur Stevenson

“I saw him with Rolly—he didn't look like that.”

— Shakur Stevenson

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This potential superfight between Ryan Garcia and Shakur Stevenson has already generated significant buzz in the boxing world, with both fighters expressing a willingness to face each other. However, Stevenson's insistence on VADA testing has raised questions about the legitimacy of Garcia's recent performance, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the potential matchup.