Shakur Stevenson’s Premature Celebration: Ryan Garcia Isn’t a Done Deal
WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson recently took to social media to boast that Ryan Garcia will be his next opponent. However, Stevenson may be getting ahead of himself by assuming the fight is already set in stone.
Ryan Still Faces Challenges, Including Devin Haney
Ryan Garcia has stated that he will consider fighting Stevenson if he is unable to secure a rematch with Gervonta Davis at 140 pounds after his upcoming bout with Devin Haney on April 20th. However, this is all contingent on Ryan emerging victorious against Haney. If he suffers a loss, Garcia will find himself back at square one.
If Ryan were to lose to Haney, his career would take a significant hit, making him an unattractive opponent for Stevenson or any other top fighter.
While Stevenson may be eager to face a high-profile opponent, taking on Garcia fresh off a one-sided loss to Haney would not be a wise move. Despite his desperation for a big fight, Stevenson should aim higher than settling for a fighter coming off a defeat.
Looking Beyond the Bottom of the Barrel
Instead of pursuing a fight with Garcia under less-than-ideal circumstances, Stevenson should consider rematching Edwin De Los Santos or facing off against Raymond Muratalla or Andy Cruz. By avoiding these matchups, Stevenson risks being labeled as fearful of certain opponents.
Since moving up to the lightweight division, Stevenson has failed to secure fights with notable names. If he cannot adapt his fighting style, he may need to consider moving up to 140 or 147 pounds, where the competition will be fiercer.
Stevenson’s defensive approach may not serve him well against heavier hitters in higher weight classes, as his opponents will eventually find a way to target his chin.
Stevenson, with a record of 21-0 and 10 knockouts, is scheduled to fight on July 6th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. While his opponent has yet to be determined, potential matchups with William Zepeda or Raymond Muratalla loom on the horizon, posing significant challenges for the champion.
Summary:
Shakur Stevenson’s premature celebration of a potential fight with Ryan Garcia may be premature, as Garcia still has hurdles to overcome, including his upcoming bout with Devin Haney. Stevenson should aim higher than settling for a fighter coming off a loss and consider more challenging opponents in the lightweight division. As Stevenson continues to seek out notable names for his next fight, the boxing world eagerly awaits his next move.
