Shakhram Giyasov has emerged as a potential opponent for Ryan Garcia following confirmation that Devin Haney will face Rolando “Rolly” Romero on May 30 in Las Vegas.
With Haney’s next move now mapped out, Garcia is left without a confirmed opponent as the welterweight picture continues to take shape.
Giyasov, reacting to Garcia’s recent win over Mario Barrios, praised the performance and made it clear he wants a future meeting between the two.
Giyasov targets Garcia
“Garcia did a great job, he did everything beautifully and clearly. I hope we’ll meet again. I’d like to fight him,” Giyasov exclusively told World Boxing News.
The unbeaten Uzbek also stressed that he is willing to face any leading name in the division, with his focus fixed on titles rather than opponents.
“I’m ready to fight my favorite guy, who has a belt. It doesn’t matter to me who the opponent is, the main belt, and the big name.”
His comments come at a time when Garcia’s immediate options appear limited, with Haney’s attention now on Romero and other routes yet to materialize.
As Haney’s May 30 clash with Rolando “Rolly” Romero in Las Vegas was confirmed by WBN, the division’s short-term direction is now clearer.
Mandatory pressure remains
At 17-0, Giyasov is also the long-standing WBA mandatory challenger, having waited close to three years for a shot at Romero without a deal being finalized.
As previously reported by WBN on Giyasov’s prolonged mandatory situation with Romero, negotiations have repeatedly shifted toward alternative opponents, leaving the ordered fight unresolved.
That context adds further intrigue to a potential Garcia-Giyasov clash. It also places Giyasov directly in the conversation at a time when the division’s title paths remain unsettled.
If Garcia were to face and defeat Giyasov — a fighter still awaiting his mandatory opportunity — it could begin to shift how the welterweight title picture is viewed and raise fresh questions about the path taken by the current champion.
For Garcia, it would offer a chance to remain active while the situation around a possible rematch with Devin Haney later this year continues to develop.
For now, Giyasov has made his position clear as the welterweight picture continues to form around him.
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.
