WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia has publicly declared his intention to challenge Shakur Stevenson at the 140-pound super lightweight limit, even as negotiations continue for a potential clash with British contender Conor Benn. The 27-year-old Garcia revealed his divisional plans on May 18, 2026, during a livestream with rapper 6ix9ine, where he also mocked Benn as a “bum” who needs an “ass-whooping.” If the Stevenson bout materializes, it would represent a return to the weight class where Garcia competed between 2022 and 2024.
The proposed matchup with Shakur Stevenson involves the WBO and Ring junior welterweight titles presently held by the 28-year-old southpaw. Garcia has set a firm condition for the encounter: the total absence of a rehydration clause. This specific demand follows Garcia’s 2023 knockout loss to Gervonta Davis, a bout that featured a restrictive clause capping his fight-night weight at 146 pounds. Stevenson responded to the challenge via social media, stating, “140 Let’s do it chump,” while also demanding Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) testing for the high-stakes fight.
This potential move back to super lightweight highlights the fluidity of the modern boxing divisions. While Garcia recently secured the WBC welterweight title by defeating Mario Barrios on February 21, 2026, he remains focused on legacy-defining belts. This drive for significant matchups mirrors recent trends in the sport, such as when Vasiliy Lomachenko returned to boxing to secure his own place among the elite. Garcia told fans in his livestream that it was always his plan to win titles at 140 pounds despite his recent success at the 147-pound limit.
Negotiations active for September clash with Conor Benn
Despite the Stevenson call-out, Garcia’s immediate priority appears to be a showdown with Conor Benn on September 12, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Benn, the 29-year-old WBC mandatory challenger, is coming off a unanimous decision win over Regis Prograis at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Benn’s manager, Keith Connolly, confirmed to Boxing News that while negotiations are active, they are not yet finalized. “I could see it happening, I could see it falling apart,” Connolly noted regarding the current status of the deal.
The tension between the two fighters has escalated, with Garcia using his recent livestream to target the UK-based contender. This aggressive posturing comes as the World Boxing Council (WBC) has officially named Benn as the No. 1 contender for Garcia’s title. If the fight is signed for September, it would be Garcia’s first defense of the welterweight crown he took from Barrios. However, the weight remains a talking point, as Garcia previously mentioned an August return date before shifting focus to the September window in Las Vegas.
Weight management hurdles and Stevenson’s response
Returning to 140 pounds is a significant physiological challenge for Garcia. In April 2024, he famously missed weight by 3.2 pounds for a scheduled title fight against Devin Haney, later admitting his body simply would not allow him to make the limit. Stevenson, who captured his WBO title by defeating Teofimo Lopez in January 2026, seems unfazed by Garcia’s past weight struggles. Speaking on the Nightcap podcast, Stevenson stated he does not want a rehydration clause, preferring to see what Garcia can actually do at the weight without restrictions.
The competitive landscape at 140 and 147 remains crowded, with many top fighters awaiting their opportunity. For example, William Zepeda and Lamont Roach are currently embroiled in their own title discussions, showing the depth of the lighter weight classes. Garcia, working with Turki Alalshikh, remains the most commercially significant figure in these negotiations, often dictating terms that bypass traditional mandatory structures to pursue lucrative “mega-fights” against pound-for-pound names like Stevenson.
Key details of the potential Garcia vs Stevenson bout
- Weight Class: 140-pound super lightweight/junior welterweight limit.
- Titles at Stake: Stevenson’s WBO and The Ring championships.
- Stipulations: No rehydration clause requested by Garcia; VADA testing requested by Stevenson.
- Fighter Records: Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs, 1 NC) vs. Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs).
Future outlook for the WBC welterweight champion
The road ahead for Ryan Garcia involves balancing his mandatory obligations against his desire for cross-divisional superfights. While the Conor Benn negotiations take center stage for the autumn, the looming presence of Shakur Stevenson suggests Garcia is already planning his next move should he successfully defend his 147-pound title. His victory over Mario Barrios earlier this year restored his championship status, but his previous loss to Rolando Romero in May 2025 serves as a reminder of the risks involved in high-level matchmaking.
If the Benn fight is finalized for the T-Mobile Arena, it will likely be one of the most significant commercial events of the year. Garcia’s ability to generate interest through social media and livestreams remains his primary leverage in boxing’s political landscape. Whether he settles the score with the “people from the UK” or moves immediately toward Stevenson’s titles at 140, Garcia continues to be the primary needle-mover in the welterweight and super lightweight divisions.
