Three-division world champion David Benavidez has entered the debate over Shakur Stevenson’s next move, characterizing a potential matchup between Stevenson and Ryan Garcia as a “50-50 fight.” Speaking on a live stream alongside Garcia, Benavidez dismissed the significance of weight discrepancies that have reportedly slowed negotiations for the high-profile bout. He urged Stevenson to embrace the challenge at the full welterweight limit of 147 pounds rather than insisting on a catchweight.
The discussion centers on Stevenson’s transition following his move to the 140-pound division. Shakur Stevenson, who holds an undefeated record of 25-0 (11 KOs), captured the WBO super-lightweight world title with a unanimous decision victory over Teofimo Lopez on January 31, 2026. Despite this success, Stevenson has faced criticism for seeking specific terms in his contracts. Benavidez argued that the three-pound difference between a 144-pound catchweight and the 147-pound welterweight limit is negligible in professional boxing.
“If you’re already making the move up to 144, three extra pounds,” Benavidez said regarding the negotiation hurdles. “You could drink a bottle of water, you’d be up three pounds.” The cruiserweight champion suggested that Stevenson should take the fight to solidify his legacy, describing him as “one of the best fighters today” but noting that these are the types of matchups necessary at the elite level.
Benavidez views Stevenson vs. Garcia as a toss-up
While some analysts favor Stevenson’s technical prowess, Benavidez refused to predict a definitive winner. Contrary to rumors of a one-sided endorsement, Benavidez stated that he would not claim either man would secure a knockout. Instead, he framed the contest as a difficult but essential fight for both boxers. This balanced view comes as fans roast Shakur Stevenson on social media, with many questioning his willingness to take risks to protect his unblemished record.
The rivalry between the two camps has grown increasingly personal. During the live stream, Garcia expressed his own frustrations, claiming Stevenson is “too cocky” and lacks “explosive wins.” Benavidez largely echoed the sentiment that Stevenson needs to test himself without the safety net of rehydration clauses or catchweights. Stevenson has reportedly pushed for such clauses if he moves to 147 pounds to challenge for the WBC welterweight title.
Stevenson has not remained silent under the criticism. He responded to Benavidez by telling him to “move up and fight Usyk” if he is so focused on fighters testing their limits in higher weight classes. Stevenson stated he will move up “on my time,” though he has recently offered praise for Benavidez’s craft following the latter’s recent victories in the heavier divisions.
Championship trajectories and weight class jumps
Benavidez’s critique carries weight given his own aggressive movement through the scales. On May 2, 2026, Benavidez defeated Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez by knockout in the sixth round at T-Mobile Arena to capture the WBA and WBO cruiserweight world titles. This victory cemented him as a three-division champion, having previously held world titles at 168 and 175 pounds. He currently holds the WBC and WBA light heavyweight belts, having won the WBA strap in February 2025 and being promoted to full WBC champion in April 2025.
By contrast, Stevenson remains at a crossroads with several potential opponents on the horizon. Beyond Garcia, Stevenson has been linked to super-featherweight champion O’Shaquie Foster, lightweight champion Raymond Muratalla, and welterweight star Devin Haney. While O’Shaquie Foster has emerged as a target for Stevenson in the past, the allure of a Garcia superfight remains the most lucrative option for the 27-year-old Newark native.
The WBO and other sanctioning bodies may yet intervene in Stevenson’s plans, as mandatory obligations could force his hand before a Garcia deal is finalized. For Benavidez, the priority is simple: the best must fight the best at the most competitive weights. He maintains that Stevenson vs. Garcia is a “huge fight” that would generate significant pay-per-view interest, provided both men can agree on the scales.
The path forward for the multi-weight champions
As of June 25, 2026, the boxing world continues to monitor the legal and promotional hurdles surrounding these potential bouts. Ryan Garcia is currently linked to a possible defense of his own status against WBC mandatory challenger Conor Benn, though that event faces potential collapse due to ongoing legalities. Stevenson, meanwhile, continues to balance his status as a two-belt champion at 135 and 140 pounds while eyeing the 147-pound ranks.
Benavidez’s own future appears set in the higher weight classes, with fans eager to see if he will eventually heed Stevenson’s advice and look toward the heavyweight division. Trainer Robert Garcia has already suggested that Benavidez has the tools to beat Oleksandr Usyk, adding further fuel to the fire regarding weight-class excellence. For now, the focus remains on whether Stevenson will follow Benavidez’s lead and take the “50-50” risks that define a modern great’s career.
The tension between these undefeated stars reflects a broader debate in the sport regarding “protecting the zero” versus seeking era-defining challenges. Whether Stevenson and Garcia meet at 144 or 147 pounds, the pressure from peers like Benavidez ensures that the negotiations will stay firmly in the public eye. Fans are left waiting to see if the Newark technician will finally find himself across the ring from “King Ry” in a battle for pound-for-pound supremacy.
