A graphic of Shakur Stevenson and Ryan Garcia

Shakur Stevenson has turned friendly toward Ryan Garcia as he eyes a future clash with the welterweight champion 'in due time.'

Garcia cemented his status as one of boxing's biggest draws this past weekend when he retained his WBC title with a quick stoppage victory over Conor Benn.

Ryan Garcia punches Conor Benn
3
Garcia dominated Benn, forcing a stoppage after only two roundsCredit: Getty

Four-weight world champion Stevenson, who has previously slammed Garcia as being 'very overrated', predicted 'King Ry' would get the job done in Las Vegas.

It was a surprising stance from Stevenson given his history with Garcia.

He has previously accused Garcia of being a 'weight bully,' stating he would only accept a welterweight fight if a rehydration clause were in place.

Garcia, meanwhile, once described Stevenson as 'arrogant' and a 'hater since the amateurs,' dating back to their 2013 fight as youngsters, which Garcia lost.

However, it seems the pair have put their differences aside in mutual respect.

What have Garcia and Stevenson said online?

Writing on X on Thursday, Garcia wrote: "Shakur is a real one."

Stevenson replied: "Respect. The best vs the best gone happen in due time!"

While his conditions for a fight may still stand, Stevenson clearly now views Garcia in a new light.

That may be because the WBO super lightweight king recognises just how lucrative a Garcia clash would be.

Stevenson became a four-weight world champion last time out by outpointing Teofimo Lopez in a career-best win at New York's Madison Square Garden.

Shakur Stevenson looks on before his lightweight title fight against William Zepeda
3
Stevenson is widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the worldCredit: Getty
Shakur Stevenson punches Teofimo Lopez in the super lightweight bout for the World Boxing Organization title during The Ring 6 fight at Madison Square Garden
3
The 29-year-old has promised to deliver the biggest fights in boxing at Dana White's Zuffa Boxing having put on a masterclass against Lopez in his last fightCredit: Getty

And talkSPORT Boxing's Ade Oladipo believes he is well on his way to becoming the sport's No. 1 pound-for-pound star.

How likely is Stevenson vs Garcia?

With Stevenson now operating under Dana White's Zuffa Boxing banner, a potential fight with Garcia may be easier to make down the line.

Garcia has confirmed he has one appearance left with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions and has suggested he is open to signing with White.

After all, UFC CEO White promoted Garcia vs Benn, with the latter signed to his roster on a mega-deal.

The only hurdle that may prevent Stevenson vs Garcia is weight.

Garcia has already told Gervonta Davis he will only accept a fight with him at 147lbs, so it's unlikely the welterweight champion would make an exception for Stevenson.

*If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue

Upgrade to DAZN Ultimate from just £24.99/month, guaranteeing access to 185+ fights annually, a minimum of 12 pay-per-views at no extra cost, as well as every Lega Serie A match and other elite football access.

Alternatively, DAZN Standard is just £15.99/month, with the caveat you will have to pay for pay-per-view events.

Topics