Super-lightweight contender Ryan Garcia has sent out a message to three-division world champion Shakur Stevenson, after the pair had an online spat last week following the news of Stevenson’s shock retirement.
A culmination of the backlash that Stevenson received for his performance against Edwin De Los Santos and the frustration of being unable to land fights against the likes of Gervonta Davis and Emmanuel Navarrete recently led to the American claiming that he retired.
Although few took the news seriously, the post did kickstart an online feud between the 26-year-old and Ryan Garcia, who each mocked the other for crying on television.
However, despite their back and forth, Garcia rounded off their argument on social media by admitting that Stevenson should return to the ring and U-turn on his unclear announcement.
I’m trying to be as sincere even though shakur is pretty annoying – don’t retire, don’t let these things get to you. If it’s a publicity stunt well play your move.
But if it’s not, a performance shouldnt stop your journey. You can come back look good and everything will be…
— RYAN GARCIA (@RyanGarcia) February 2, 2024
“I’m trying to be as sincere even though Shakur is pretty annoying – don’t retire, don’t let these things get to you. If it’s a publicity stunt well play your move.
But if it’s not, a performance shouldn’t stop your journey. You can come back look good and everything will be good.
Please head up man!”
Until Stevenson vacates his WBC lightweight title, his statement will likely be ignored, as fans wait in expectation of clashes against his fellow lightweight rivals and champions.
Meanwhile, Garcia is also struggling to find an opponent, after a confusing few weeks with Golden Boy Promotions which has seen ‘King Ry’ go from fighting Devin Haney to Rolando Romero to neither.
It now seems that the opportunity to face Haney may arise once again, reigniting their six-fight-long amateur rivalry which currently sits at 3-3, with Haney’s WBC super-lightweight crown acting as a meaningful attraction to Garcia.