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Shakur Stevenson said he would fight Ryan Garcia after King Ryan agreed.

Shakur’s comments were made after he crashed Garcia’s Live Space interaction. During their exchange, Garcia clarified that his primary aim after the Devin Haney fight was the Gervonta Davis rematch. Davis knocked Garcia out in the seventh round, losing his first fight. The fight took place at a 136-pound catchweight, with a ten-pound rehydration clause. Garcia was clear that those stipulations hindered him. But if he could not secure a rematch at 140, he agreed to face Shakur next.

Stevenson vs Garcia

“If I don’t get the rematch with Gervonta Davis, you have my word, we’ll fight,” Garcia said

But it is too early to say that this fight will happen. Garcia had similarly agreed to fight Devin Haney the first time around, only to pull out to start talks with Rolando Romero. It was only after Romero signed a deal with Isaac Cruz that Garcia returned to the negotiation table with Haney. Stevenson must also get past his next opponent.

He announced his return for July 6, with suggestions that he will face William Zepeda next. Zepeda is a knockout artist whose record stands at 30-0 with 26 KOs. Stevenson showed that he does not like facing big hitters, and he won against Edwin De Los Santos in an ultra-defensive performance.

There is also the feeling that a fight between Garcia and Stevenson does not sell. Despite his skill set, Shakur is not the biggest commercial draw, as shown when he was booed in the De Los Santos fight. So, there are still plenty of hurdles that need navigating.

Canelo On Garcia

Elsewhere, Canelo has responded to concerns over Ryan Garcia’s mental health ahead of his bout with Devin Haney.

Garcia hopes to win Haney’s WBC Junior Welterweight Title when they face off on April 20. Garcia’s social media activity has dominated the build-up for the fight. He told a fan he was ‘high’ during a Live Space interaction in response to how he was training.

Garcia then clarified his comments, saying he only smokes and drinks weed. The boxer also made numerous social media posts, sparking concern when he said he could not access his bank accounts. Garcia’s ex-wife, Celina Velarde, told her fans to pray for him. But Garcia’s father, Henry Garcia, told fans his son is fine. But Canelo has reacted, feeling that Garcia should not proceed with the fight.

“And as his friend, or like when we used to train together. I wouldn’t let him fight. The only thing I wish right now is that he has people to help him, because he needs it – without judging him. I don’t know what’s going on with him, but I hope he has someone. About the fight – if he was well prepared, it could be a 50/50 fight. Right now, I think it’s going to be very difficult for him,” Canelo said 

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This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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