Benavidez urges Shakur Stevenson to take Ryan fight in prime years

Shakur has been pushing for a rehydration clause if the fight moves to 147 for his WBC welterweight title, trying to limit how much Ryan Garcia can gain after the weigh-in. That stance has drawn criticism from fans, who see it as asking for a safety net in a fight he’s publicly confident about, especially given how often Stevenson has described himself as the best in the sport.

Benavidez didn’t view it as a personal issue. He called Stevenson “a hell of a fighter” and “one of the best fighters today,” but kept bringing the conversation back to timing and expectation. “These are the fights that Shakur needs to solidify his career,” he said.

He also pointed to what comes with that level of fight. A win over Ryan would not only bring a major payday but also raise Shakur’s standing in a way that routine title defenses cannot. Those are the nights that separate champions from fighters who are talked about at a different level.

Benavidez described the matchup as even, removing any idea that one side is being thrown into a mismatch. “It’s a 50-50 fight,” he said. “I’m not going to say Ryan Garcia goes and knocks Shakur out. I’m not saying Shakur is going to knock Ryan Garcia out.”

The emphasis stayed on timing. Stevenson is in his prime years at 28, and this is when the risks are supposed to be taken rather than managed. “He’s in the prime of his career. These are the best times when you should take these fights,” Benavidez said.

Benavidez sees the Ryan fight sitting there for Shakur and treats it like a fight that should already be happening.