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David Benavidez encourages Shakur Stevenson to fight Ryan Garcia

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Image: Benavidez urges Shakur Stevenson to take Ryan fight in prime years

David Benavidez is pushing Shakur Stevenson to take the Ryan Garcia fight and stop worrying about minor weight differences at a point in his career where the biggest fights should be happening.

Benavidez said Shakur is already moving up and shouldn’t focus on a few pounds. “If you’re already planning on going to 144 pounds, three extra pounds. You could drink a bottle of water and you’d gain three pounds,” Benavidez told Fighthype, rejecting the notion that the jump to 147 pounds should come with strings attached.


Shakur insisted on a rehydration clause if the fight moves to 147 pounds for the WBC welterweight title in an attempt to limit the amount Ryan Garcia can gain after the weigh-in. This stance has drawn criticism from fans who see it as a request for security in a fight he is publicly committed to, especially given how often Stevenson has described himself as the best in the sport.

Benavidez didn’t see it as personal. He called Stevenson “a hell of a fighter” and “one of the best fighters today,” but still kept the conversation down to topic and expectations. “These are the fights Shakur needs to solidify his career,” he said.

He also pointed out what this level of fighting involves. A win over Ryan would not only provide a gigantic payday, but it would also elevate Shakur’s profile in a way that a routine title defense cannot. These are the nights that separate the champions from the players who are talked about on a different level.

Benavidez described the bout as close, removing any suspicion that either side would be in a mismatch situation. “It’s a 50-50 fight,” he said. “I’m not going to say Ryan Garcia is going to go out and knock out Shakur. I’m not saying Shakur is going to knock out Ryan Garcia.”

The emphasis remained on timing. Stevenson is 28 in his prime and that’s when risk should be taken, not managed. “He’s in the prime of his career. These are the best times when you should be taking these fights,” Benavidez said.

Benavidez sees Ryan fighting sitting next to Shakur and treats it like a fight that should have happened already.

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Categories David Benavidez, Ryan Garcia and Shakur Stevenson

Last updated: 25/03/2026 at 17:12

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Derek Chisora Predicts Early KO in Dubois vs Wardley 2 Following First Fight Canvas Drama

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"Derek Chisora Predicts Early KO in Dubois vs Wardley 2 Following First Fight Canvas Drama"

Daniel Dubois seeks a repeat victory over Fabio Wardley in their WBO heavyweight title clash on Saturday, and ahead of the action, fellow British heavyweight Derek Chisora has offered his final prediction for the bout.

Wardley was elevated to full WBO world champion in late 2025 and accepted a daring first defence against ‘Triple D’ at Co-Op Live in Manchester, who had lost his IBF title to Oleksandr Usyk in his prior outing.

Despite being floored twice in the opening three rounds, Dubois was able to bring Wardley’s reign to an early end as he bounced back to dominate proceedings, battering Wardley until referee Howard Foster waved the contest off in round 11.

Wardley absorbed an enormous amount of punishment, but he was still quick to activate his rematch clause and initiate an immediate second meeting with Dubois, in the hopes of becoming a two-time heavyweight world champion.

Although, whilst pursuing a win that could define his career, Chisora told talkSPORT that he believes a second encounter with Dubois could turn out to be Wardley’s career finale, anticipating an early stoppage win for the reigning WBO heavyweight champion.

“I think that this is Wardley’s last fight. I don’t think that he wants to box anymore. This is his cash out.

“After three rounds, Daniel’s going to win it by knockout.”

All will be revealed when Dubois vs. Wardley II takes place this weekend at the O2 Arena in Londonwith Michael Gomez Jr set to challenge for Louie O’Doherty’s British lightweight title in the co-main event.

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Tyson Furys Advantage: The Importance of Leg Endurance in Boxing

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"Tyson Fury's Advantage: The Importance of Leg Endurance in Boxing"

Paulie Malignaggi likes Tyson Fury’s style against Anthony Joshuabut only if the Gypsy King’s legs still hold up to control range. He points out that Joshua must close the distance, yet doubts AJ has the footwork required to get there.

Fury’s movement creates the main problem. If he keeps Joshua following his lead and constantly resets AJ’s rhythm, Joshua risks spending the entire night chasing shadows instead of landing meaningful shots.

“AJ has to obviously get in close,” Malignaggi told Boxing King Media. “It’s not easy against a guy with the footing of Fury, but who knows, maybe Fury’s old legs are a little slower.”

That lingering doubt stops Paulie from locking in a definitive pick. Fury understands how to dictate distance against AJ, but executing that plan across twelve rounds takes functional wheels.

If Fury has lost a step, Joshua gets a direct route into punching range without burning energy on pursuit. AJ does not need sudden speed if Fury can no longer skip away. Joshua simply has to capitalize whenever Fury sits in the pocket.

At the same time, Malignaggi remains skeptical about Joshua’s mobility.

“I think AJ’s feet are a bit cumbersome, though. So, I think the size of the ring and things like that will also matter in the fight.”

A larger ring hands Fury extra space to glide and forces Joshua to cover real estate. A tighter ring gives AJ a clear path to trap his rival, though he must cut off the ring instead of trailing behind.

Paulie’s breakdown hinges entirely on Fury’s mobility. If the legs work, Joshua’s heavy feet could leave him swinging at air. If those legs fade, AJ suddenly finds a manageable target. Malignaggi spots the stylistic edge, but he refuses to assume Fury can still pull it off. He is analyzing a long-gone version of Tyson Fury from ten years ago, not the lumbering heavyweight who actually steps into the ring today.

That 2015 night in Düsseldorf against Wladimir Klitschko might as well belong to another century. Ever since the Usyk beatdowns, the slow-motion survival against Wach, and that labored outing against Makhmudov, Fury has looked completely grounded.

The twitch reflex is gone, the lateral bounce has vanished, and his upper-body slips look like they are running through wet cement. When heavyweight legs check out, no amount of altitude running or motivational talk in Morecambe brings them back.

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Boxing 24/7 Wire

Boxing247.com is an independent boxing news publication covering the sport since 2001. It provides original reporting, fight analysis, schedules, results, and informed coverage of major fighters and events worldwide, backed by more than 25 years of professional boxing journalism.

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Nakisa Bidarian Explains the Financial Principles Driving Canelos Commitment

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"Nakisa Bidarian Explains the Financial Principles Driving Canelo's Commitment"

Nakisa Bidarian believes Canelo Alvarez could lose his purse if he withdraws from the October 31 fight with Christian Mbilli in Riyadh, but might still get paid if the organizers cancel. His theory offers a financial explanation for Canelo’s commitment to fighting despite the security concerns.

“My read: Canelo is due a lot of money. If he pulls out he is no longer due that money. If the event is cancelled he is probably also due that money. Tough situation,” said Bidarian on X.

Turki Alalshikh says Canelo remains committed to fighting Mbilli in Riyadh following deadly attacks on the city’s international airport. Reuters reported that a Saturday strike killed at least 12 people and wounded more than 300, with another attack on Sunday killing one person.

Bidarian’s reading gives Canelo’s willingness to proceed another possible explanation beyond the “he fears nothing” message. Under that theory, Canelo could protect his payday by remaining ready to fight and letting the organizers decide whether the event can proceed.

That would put Canelo in an awkward position. He could have concerns about traveling without wanting to formally withdraw and potentially give up a huge purse. Saying he’s available would make financial sense even if he privately preferred a postponement or a different location.

However, Bidarian hasn’t presented Canelo’s contract or identified a cancellation clause. His wording makes clear that this is his interpretation. Whether Canelo would receive payment after a cancellation remains unconfirmed.

His post also doesn’t establish that money is driving Canelo’s decision. But the public declaration that he’ll fight tells us little about the contractual consequences of refusing to travel.

There’s also an entire card to consider. Canelo saying he’s willing to fight doesn’t settle the safety and travel questions facing Mbilli, the undercard fighters, their trainers, and the event staff. They all have to get there, prepare, and work through fight week.

The organizers still have to explain how they intend to stage the event safely. Canelo’s commitment gives them a willing headliner. It doesn’t answer those questions.

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About the author

Boxing 24/7 Wire

Boxing247.com is an independent boxing news publication covering the sport since 2001. It provides original reporting, fight analysis, schedules, results, and informed coverage of major fighters and events worldwide, backed by more than 25 years of professional boxing journalism.

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