Shakur Stevenson accepted Ryan Garcia’s callout, but he did it on his own terms. He immediately tied any future fight to VADA testing, bringing Garcia’s failed test history into the conversation before negotiations even existed.
Garcia named Stevenson as his preferred next opponent while preparing for his February 21 title challenge against WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios. He floated the idea of meeting at a custom catchweight between divisions, showing willingness to move outside traditional limits if the fight could be made.
“I really want to fight Shakur,” Garcia said to Ring Magazine. “I want to go from Barrios to Shakur … 144. I’ll make a whole division called 44. Me and Shakur.”
Stevenson responded on social media soon after, accepting the proposal in principle while attaching a clear condition tied to drug testing.
“144 Ryan, let’s do it… I’ll be at your fight now scrub! VADA will be involved so don’t run from that,” said Shakur on X.
Public acceptance came with a condition
The reference to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association connects directly to 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 altered his standing and placed added scrutiny on his future fights.
Stevenson’s decision to mention VADA publicly ensures the issue stays attached to any discussion involving Garcia. Drug testing terms are usually handled privately between camps and promoters, but Stevenson brought it into the open immediately. That decision establishes testing as part of the foundation rather than something negotiated quietly later.
His response also redirects the conversation. Garcia initiated the callout, but Stevenson used his reply to define how the fight would operate.
Garcia still has business in front of him
Garcia must first face Barrios, and the outcome will influence what options follow. A win keeps him in position to pursue the catchweight he proposed, while a loss would weaken the demand for new high-profile fights.
Stevenson’s position remains secure regardless of timing. He recently secured a world title at 140 pounds and has mentioned multiple opponents across weight classes, including Isaac Cruz and Conor Benn. His early reference to VADA ensures that testing remains attached to any potential agreement whenever discussions begin.
Stevenson is asserting control before negotiations start
Fighters call each other out regularly, but Stevenson’s response went further by establishing expectations tied to compliance and oversight. He acknowledged Garcia’s interest while placing a condition that reflects Garcia’s recent disciplinary history.
Garcia’s immediate focus stays 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 would take place, showing he intends to control more than just the opponent when the time comes.
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