Ryan Garcia wasted little time setting his next target after defeating Mario Barrios by unanimous decision to win the WBC welterweight title at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, publicly naming Shakur Stevenson as the opponent he wants next.
Moments after the final scores of 119-108, 120-107, and 118-109 were announced, Garcia made his intentions clear inside the ring.
“You know who I want. He’s right there — Shakur Stevenson, let’s go!” Garcia said.
The statement came immediately after Garcia dropped Barrios early and controlled the tempo across twelve rounds, securing his first world title at 147 pounds and placing himself at the center of the division’s next move.
Garcia Puts Stevenson And Haney In Frame
Garcia controlled the fight on the scorecards, winning 119-108, 120-107, and 118-109 after dropping Barrios early and dictating the pace through the middle rounds. The performance handed him the WBC belt and immediate leverage at 147 pounds.
The Stevenson call-out was only part of the picture. At the post-fight press conference, Garcia confirmed that a rematch with Devin Haney remains firmly on his agenda, reinforcing that his first defense will not be a low-risk voluntary bout.
By naming Stevenson in the ring and Haney at the podium, Garcia signaled that his championship run will be built around elite-level opposition from the outset.
Haney Rematch Carries Greater Immediate Weight
As it stands, a Haney rematch appears to carry greater divisional implications than a move up in weight for Stevenson. A second Garcia-Haney fight would sit closer to unification territory and reshape the immediate championship picture.
That does not reduce Stevenson’s appeal. Both bouts are commercially strong. The difference lies in weight alignment, belt positioning, and what each path does to consolidate power at 147 pounds.
WBC Landscape And Mandatory Position
The WBC has yet to formally announce a mandatory challenger, though Conor Benn has been positioned as the No. 1 contender and could be ordered into a title shot, a move that would complicate immediate negotiations if enforced.
If Benn proceeds with a bout against Rolando Romero, the winners of Benn-Romero and a potential Garcia-Haney rematch would place three major titles within the same competitive sphere. That scenario would compress the division quickly and intensify sanctioning decisions.
Historically, the WBC has granted newly crowned champions flexibility when high-profile matchups are in play. Garcia’s current standing with the organization suggests he would likely receive clearance to pursue either Stevenson or Haney before any mandatory enforcement.
For now, Garcia controls the belt and the timing. By publicly naming Stevenson and reaffirming his interest in Haney, the newly crowned WBC champion has ensured that the next phase at welterweight will revolve around his decision.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
