Ryan Garcia Labels Terence Crawford ‘Overrated’, Promises “Biggest Payday” Fight

Ryan Garcia has publicly challenged retired former undisputed champion Terence Crawford during an X Space on Saturday night, questioning his résumé and commercial appeal while insisting a fight between them would generate the biggest payday of Crawford’s career.

Garcia: “I would literally beat the sh*t out of you” on X Space

Garcia made his position clear while speaking directly during the live audio session.

“Bud, if you’re listening — I’d love to fight you. I feel like I would literally beat the sh*t out of you.

You’re a good fighter, but I don’t think you’ve ever fought someone with my talent, explosiveness, and power.”

He added that he would follow through on the matchup.

“I’m a boxer. I don’t give a fck. I’ll fight him. I’ll beat the sht out of him — that’s how I feel in my heart. That’s it. Point blank, period.

And I would actually fight him — that’s the difference. If he doesn’t want it, that’s not my fault. If he doesn’t think it’s a match, that’s not my fault either.”

Garcia labels Crawford “overrated” despite historic résumé

Garcia also dismissed Crawford’s past opposition during the same appearance.

“In my opinion, you beat Sean Porter — and he’s a great fighter — but he’s kind of basic. Errol Spence Jr. was coming off a crash, and I don’t think he’s that good.

Have you fought anyone with one-punch knockout power? No. So I feel like Bud Crawford is overrated.”

He then questioned Crawford’s commercial value.

“He’s not a draw. He doesn’t bring anything to the table. He’s boring as f*ck.

But I’d probably give him the biggest payday of his life if he takes the fight.”

Crawford retired in December with an undefeated record, having won 18 major world championships across five weight classes. In his final bout last September, he moved up to 168lbs and defeated Canelo Alvarez to become a three-weight undisputed champion.

That event drew 70,482 fans and generated a $47,231,887 live gate — the third largest in boxing history — while also attracting over 41,400,000 viewers globally.

Garcia’s Barrios win follows earlier Romero defeat

Garcia won the WBC welterweight title in February 2026 with a victory over Mario Barrios.

He had previously lost a 12-round decision to Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero in May 2025, where he was dropped during the contest.

Garcia is currently recovering from a right-hand injury suffered in the opening round against Barrios, with his team indicating he is expected to resume full training in May.

Henry Garcia recounts post-Barrios exchange with Crawford

Garcia’s pursuit of a fight with Crawford follows a direct interaction between the two after his February win over Mario Barrios, according to his father and trainer, Henry Garcia.

Henry Garcia said his son approached Crawford and asked, “How did you like my jab?” following the victory, with Crawford responding that Garcia “looked sharp” and that “everything was working for him.”

He added that Crawford may have referenced Garcia’s power in conversations with others, stating: “Maybe Crawford said something to him, ‘Be careful, Shakur. Ryan has got some power.’”

Crawford has often been viewed as a guiding figure for Shakur Stevenson, adding further context to Garcia’s recent call-outs across both fighters.

Stevenson targeted for 147lbs fight without restrictions

Garcia has also used recent appearances to call out Shakur Stevenson, urging him to move up to welterweight.

He has previously suggested a catchweight of 144lbs or 140lbs, but now wants the fight at 147lbs without a rehydration clause, removing any perceived barriers to making the bout.

Stevenson has criticised Garcia following his loss to Romero, pointing to limitations in his offence when his left hook was neutralised.

Haney rematch tied to May 30 Romero bout

A rematch with Devin Haney remains a potential option later this year.

Garcia’s 2024 win over Haney was overturned to a no contest after a failed drug test, leaving unresolved business between the two.

Haney, who holds the WBO welterweight title, is expected to face Rolando Romero on May 30, with the outcome likely to shape any future negotiations involving Garcia.

For now, a fight with Crawford would require the former champion to reverse his retirement, while Garcia’s immediate path depends on his recovery and the availability of Stevenson, Haney, or other leading names at welterweight.