Shakur Stevenson accepted Ryan Garcia’s call, but he did so on his own terms. He immediately tied any future fight to VADA testing, bringing Garcia’s failed testing history into the conversation before negotiations even existed.
Garcia named Stevenson as his next opponent as he prepares for his Feb. 21 title challenge against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. He floated the idea of meeting at a custom catchweight between divisions, and showed a willingness to move outside of traditional boundaries if the fight could be made.
“I really want to fight Shakur,” Garcia said Ring Magazine. “I want to go from Barrios to Shakur … 144. I’ll make a whole section called 44. Me and Shakur.”
Stevenson responded on social media shortly after, accepting the proposal in principle while attaching a clear condition to drug testing.
“144 Ryan, let’s do it…I’ll be scrubbing your fight right now! VADA will be involved, so don’t run from it,” Shakur said X.
Public acceptance came with a condition
The reference to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association ties directly into Garcia’s recent history. His April win over Devin Haney was overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for a banned substance, a result that changed his position and brought more scrutiny to his future fights.
Stevenson’s decision to publicly mention VADA ensures that the issue remains attached to any discussion involving Garcia. Drug-testing terms are usually handled privately between camps and promoters, but Stevenson immediately revealed them. That decision establishes testing as part of the foundation rather than something that is quietly negotiated later.
His response also redirects the conversation. Garcia started the call, but Stevenson used his answer to define how the fight would play out.
Garcia still has business ahead of him
Garcia must face Barrios first, and the outcome will affect the options that follow. A win puts him in position to pursue the catchweight he proposed, while a loss would dampen demand for new high-profile fights.
Stevenson’s position remains safe regardless of timing. He recently secured a world title at 140 pounds and has named several opponents across weight classes, including Isaac Cruz and Conor Benn. Its early reference to VADA ensures that testing remains attached to any potential deal when discussions begin.
Stevenson is asserting control before negotiations begin
Fighters routinely call each other out, but Stevenson’s response went further by establishing expectations related to compliance and oversight. He acknowledged Garcia’s interest while placing a condition reflecting Garcia’s recent disciplinary history.
Garcia’s immediate focus remains on Barrios, and Stevenson continues to explore options across divisions. The fight itself remains uncertain, but Stevenson has already defined part of the environment in which it will take place, showing he intends to control more than just the opponent when the time comes.
