Crawford Sees a Clear Advantage for Stevenson
Terence Crawford, long-time mentor to Shakur Stevenson, believes Ryan Garcia’s recent success won’t carry over against the unbeaten junior welterweight champion. After Garcia’s unanimous decision victory over Mario Barrios, Crawford said the problem is simple: “I don’t think Ryan is going to be able to hit Shakur like Barrios. Barrios was too slow and didn’t have a game plan. Shakur is not a fighter who gets hit. It’s simple.”
Style and Strategy Could Be Garcia’s Downfall
Crawford pointed out that Barrios allowed Garcia to control mid-range exchanges, follow him, and absorb counters—something Stevenson does differently. Stevenson manages distance, uses his lead hand to control the pace, and steps off after landing punches, making it difficult for opponents to connect. Crawford highlighted Stevenson’s tactical win over Teofimo Lopez as evidence that his timing and positioning would neutralize Garcia’s power.
Experience and History Favor Stevenson
Beyond style, Crawford referenced their amateur history: Garcia had previously lost to Stevenson, suggesting that professional experience alone won’t change the outcome. While acknowledging Garcia’s patience and composure against Barrios, Crawford stressed the step up in difficulty: “It’s different going up against a fighter like Shakur. It’s different mentally, emotionally, physically.” According to Crawford, the matchup heavily favors Stevenson and is far from a 50-50 contest.
