Ryan Garcia Calls Shakur Stevenson ‘a Bum’

Ryan Garcia expressed disinterest in facing Shakur Stevenson anytime soon. He cites Stevenson’s defensive ring style as the reason for his reluctance.

Garcia, a 26-year-old from California, is currently serving a one-year suspension. This suspension results from testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug ostarine after his decision victory over Devin Haney on April 20. The New York Athletic Commission reversed Garcia’s unanimous decision win, changing it to a no-contest.

Even with his suspension, which lasts until April 2025, Garcia views Stevenson as an unworthy opponent. In an interview with Say Cheese TV, he stated, "You don’t bring no money to the table so why would anyone want to see me fight you? You are a bum. You are good, not great." Currently, Garcia has a record of 24 wins and only one loss, with 20 of those wins coming by knockout.

Garcia's sole defeat was against Gervonta "Tank" Davis in April last year, where he was knocked out in the seventh round. Eight months later, he returned to the ring and halted Oscar Duarte Jurado in the eighth round.

On the other hand, Stevenson, with a record of 17 wins and no losses—including nine knockouts—recently joined Matchroom Boxing. He is set to defend his WBC lightweight title against Joe Cordina in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 12. Reports have indicated that he rejected a $15 million deal from Top Rank for five fights.

If Stevenson wins against Cordina, he might next face William Zepeda. Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn aims to arrange a fight against Tank in 2025, contingent upon Stevenson’s success against both Cordina and Zepeda.

The three-division world champion has faced considerable criticism due to his defensive approach to boxing. Garcia has voiced his frustration regarding Stevenson's fighting style, believing that effective boxers must balance offense and defense. He emphasized, "You aren’t like that. All your fights you run. A great fighter can do offense and defense. Mayweather did offense and defense…you only do defense."

Earlier, SSP reported that Dak Prescott becomes NFL’s highest-paid player with new contract extension.