Shakur Stevenson accepted Ryan Garcia’s call, but he did it on his own terms. He immediately tied every future fight to VADA testing, bringing Garcia’s story into the conversation about failed testing before negotiations even began.
Garcia named Stevenson his favorite next opponent as he prepares for a title fight against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on February 21. He floated the idea of a non-standard catchweight match between the divisions, showing a willingness to go beyond customary boundaries if the fight was possible.
“I really want to fight Shakur,” Garcia said Ring Magazine. “I want to go from Barrios to Shakur… 144. I will create a whole division called 44. Me and Shakur.”
Shortly thereafter, Stevenson responded on social media, essentially accepting the proposal, including a clear stipulation related to drug testing.
“144 Ryan, let’s do it… I’ll be at your fight, now scrub! VADA is going to be involved, so don’t run away from it,” Shakur said on the show X.
Social acceptance was subject to a certain condition
The reference to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association links directly to Garcia’s recent history. His April victory over Devin Haney was ruled a no contest after he tested positive for a banned substance, changing his position and placing additional scrutiny on his future fights.
Stevenson’s decision to publicly mention VADA ensures that the issue will remain linked to any discussion involving Garcia. The terms of drug testing are usually negotiated privately between camps and promoters, but Stevenson immediately went public with the issue. This decision establishes testing as part of the foundation, rather than something that will be quietly negotiated later.
His response also changes the direction of the conversation. Garcia initiated the call, but Stevenson used his response to determine how the fight would go.
Garcia still has cases ahead of him
Garcia must face Barrios first, and the outcome will influence his options going forward. A win would keep him in position to continue at his proposed catchweight, and a loss would dampen demand for fresh, high-profile fights.
Stevenson’s position remains secure regardless of the deadline. He recently secured the 140-pound world title and has mentioned numerous opponents across all weight classes, including Isaac Cruz and Conor Benn. His early references to VADA ensure that testing will be linked to any potential deal whenever discussions begin.
Stevenson provides pre-negotiation screening
Players regularly call each other out, but Stevenson’s response went further by establishing expectations of compliance and supervision. He confirmed Garcia’s interest, setting a condition that reflected Garcia’s recent disciplinary history.
Garcia’s immediate focus is on Barrios, while Stevenson continues to explore options across the divisions. The fight itself remains uncertain, but Stevenson has already defined part of the environment in which it will take place, showing that he intends to control more than just his opponent when the moment comes.
Tomek Galm is a boxing journalist covering the global fight landscape since 2014, specializing in heavyweight analysis, industry trends and fighter psychology.