Ryan already fell for that trick against Gervonta Davis. Despite having the larger social media following, Ryan swallowed a 136-pound catchweight and a 10-pound rehydration clause to secure the Tank fight. He weakened himself before Davis stopped him in the seventh round. Only a fool would make the same mistake twice.

Shakur does not bring Tank’s audience, drawing power, or excitement. His safety-first style is an acquired taste, and his audience numbers do not give him enough leverage to order the WBC welterweight champion onto a diet.

Ryan just knocked out Conor Benn in two rounds at T-Mobile Arena and retained the WBC title. Shakur was working television and trying to attach his name to the winner. He wants access to Ryan’s crowd and payday without accepting the weight that comes with challenging a welterweight champion.

Shakur can keep mentioning Ryan from the television desk, but that does not place him in the conversation. If he wants the fight, he can come to 147 without a handicap.

Ryan has the belt, the audience and the money. Shakur brings a 144-pound demand and an outstretched hand.