New WBO 140-pound champion agrees to 144-pound bout while Garcia prepares for Barrios
Shakur Stevenson has agreed to Ryan Garcia’s proposal for a 144-pound fight. The newly crowned WBO 140-pound champion signaled his acceptance publicly while Garcia prepares for a welterweight title shot against Mario Barrios.
Stevenson, 28, picked up his fourth divisional belt with a disciplined decision over Teofimo Lopez, running the fight behind a commanding right jab, controlling range, and stepping off at tight angles to line up straight left counters. He dictated the pace, kept his feet set under him, and never let Lopez establish sustained pressure. The win placed the WBO strap at 140 around his waist after the WBC removed him from its 135-pound ranks.
Garcia, days out from challenging Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title in Las Vegas, made his position clear when speaking to Ring Magazine.
“I really want to fight Shakur. The Haney rematch]is always gonna be there, but that’s who I want to fight. I want to go from Barrios to Shakur … 144. I’ll make a whole division called 44. Me and Shakur. He said he’d do it. I know he’s confident, so let’s run it.”
Stevenson answered directly on X.
“144 Ryan, let’s do it… I’ll be at your fight now scrub! VADA will be involved so don’t run from that.”
He followed with a blunt forecast.
“I’m gonna cook him.”
There is talk. Then there is the fight in front of you.
Garcia has to solve Mario Barrios first, a long welterweight who fights tall, pumps a steady jab, and shoots the straight right down the pipe when you square up. If Garcia cannot break range, work the body, and force exchanges inside, the belt stays put. One misstep and the Stevenson conversation fades quickly.
Stevenson, meanwhile, has options. He has mentioned Isaac Cruz, Conor Benn, and other 140-pound belt holders as potential unification routes. From a boxing standpoint, Stevenson’s range control and defensive responsibility translate upward. At 144, his punch selection and ring positioning would test Garcia’s discipline and finishing instinct.
The equation favors Stevenson at negotiated terms. Stevenson does not chase belts blindly. He chases terms that suit his skill set.
If Garcia clears Barrios, the 144-pound idea becomes more than social media talk. Stevenson’s jab discipline and ability to manage distance would force Garcia to set his feet and commit. If Garcia cannot win exchanges clean, he walks into counters.
For now, For now, everything runs through Barrios. Stevenson waits, belt in hand, confident his skill set carries at any agreed weight.