BoxRec

Shakur Stevenson will agree to Devin Haney fight under one condition

Shakur Stevenson is open to facing Devin Haney under one condition, believing they could sell out a “big arena” and deliver a “tremendous fight”.

The 28-year-old comes off a career-best victory over Teofimo Lopez, who he dethroned with a wide points victory to claim the WBO world super-lightweight title in January.

In doing so, Stevenson became a four-division world champion and immediately called out Conor Benn, who unanimously outpointed Regis Prograis at 150lbs last Saturday.

The American has also expressed an interest in facing Ryan Garcia, but only if the WBC world welterweight champion agrees to meet him at a catchweight of 144lbs.

Garcia, however, appears to have rejected this as a genuine possibility, while Stevenson has said he is in no rush to move up to welterweight at this stage in his campaign.

This is why he has suggested the exact same catchweight for a potential clash with Haney, who comes off a unanimous decision victory over Brian Norman Jr.

‘The Dream’ moved up to welterweight and claimed Norman’s WBO world title in November, which followed his lacklustre performance against Jose Ramirez.

But still, Haney convincingly outpointed the faded former world champion at a catchweight of 144lbs, hence why Stevenson is keen to explore their possible showdown.

Speaking with Ariel Helwani, the pound-for-pound star highlighted this catchweight as a non-negotiable, otherwise he will likely remain at 140lbs or move back down to lightweight.

“Haney fought at a catchweight against Jose Ramirez two fights ago, and it was 144lbs, so I would love to [fight Haney] at 144lbs – we can meet in the middle.

“I don’t think a belt has to be on the line; I think the fight is big enough for both of us to be fighting at a catchweight.

“I think we can both sell out a big arena, and it would be a tremendous fight.”

While Haney has previously campaigned at 135lbs, the three-weight world champion would likely struggle to make 144lbs at this stage of his career, and has even toyed with another move up to 154.

It's a fight that absolutely goes the distance but it's a technical fight between two p4p guys.

Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson are in preliminary talks for a fight, @MikeCoppinger has revealed on @InsideRingShow.

Agreements around weight are currently holding up the discussions.

Just do it at 140. Haney was fighting at that weight a couple of fights ago. Shakur was fighting at 135 two fights ago.

147 is a huge advantage to Haney. 135 is a huge advantage to Stevenson. It looks quite obvious what it should be. Catch weights are unnecessary and stupid given there are belts to be won.

joshj909 wrote: ↑27 Apr 2026, 16:13 Just do it at 140. Haney was fighting at that weight a couple of fights ago. Shakur was fighting at 135 two fights ago.

147 is a huge advantage to Haney. 135 is a huge advantage to Stevenson. It looks quite obvious what it should be. Catch weights are unnecessary and stupid given there are belts to be won.

Probably be something like 142 pounds haha

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑27 Apr 2026, 16:21

joshj909 wrote: ↑27 Apr 2026, 16:13 Just do it at 140. Haney was fighting at that weight a couple of fights ago. Shakur was fighting at 135 two fights ago.

147 is a huge advantage to Haney. 135 is a huge advantage to Stevenson. It looks quite obvious what it should be. Catch weights are unnecessary and stupid given there are belts to be won.

Probably be something like 142 pounds haha

That's what I'm anticipating, which is Haney being a brat.

If Devin goes all out and brings in the right people and does it right, possible.

They will not fight

Why not

Big fight is Gervonta
Call him out

Evander wrote: ↑30 Apr 2026, 00:56Why not

Their handlers protecting them

Cent0089 wrote: ↑30 Apr 2026, 03:28

Evander wrote: ↑30 Apr 2026, 00:56Why not

Their handlers protecting them

That's their job

Evander wrote: ↑01 May 2026, 21:41

Cent0089 wrote: ↑30 Apr 2026, 03:28

Evander wrote: ↑30 Apr 2026, 00:56Why not

Their handlers protecting them

That's their job

I know. Thats the reason why their fans would be satisfied with Haney vs Kambosos 3 and Stevenson vs Prograis instead of fighting each other LOL

Haney, Stevenson Agree Online To A 144-Pound Catch Weight

Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney agreed online Tuesday to a 144-pound catch-weight clash.

Social media declarations certainly don’t mean a deal is done, but both fighters showed their willingness to square off by agreeing to the rules of engagement.

Stevenson, The Ring and WBO 140-pound champion, got Haney to abide by stating, “144 [pounds] is fair for two champions in two separate weight classes. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Canelo Alvarez made one of the biggest fights ever happen at a catch weight. If y’all seriously wanted the fight, it would be easy to make. Y’all fought Jose Ramirez at that weight two fights ago.”

Haney, the WBO 147-pound champ, replied, “If I come to 144, we have a fight?” Stevenson said, “Yes.”

Haney shared a different stance Monday by telling Stevenson, “Whenever you decide to come to ‘my weight class’ let’s do it! I’ll fight your brother Keyshawn Davis for now.”

Davis, Haney’s WBO mandatory challenger and Stevenson’s close friend, also chimed in after Haney revealed he was ready for a 144-pound fight and quipped, “[Haney would] rather lose more weight than get in the ring with The Businessman. I’m your mandatory bro, stop trying to make other fights.”

Haney said, “Sit this one out too Key ... Me versus Shakur is the biggest [fight of the year]. Our fight would be big though.”
If a fight between Stevenson and Haney officially crosses the finish line, the all-American encounter would pit two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport against each other.

Haney (33-0, 15 KOs, 1 NC) is No. 8 on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list. He became champion in a third division when he beat Brian Norman Jr. by unanimous decision in his welterweight debut November 22 on “The Ring IV: Night of the Champions” undercard at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) is ranked third pound-for-pound by The Ring. The four-division champion dominated Teofimo Lopez in his last fight, a unanimous points victory January 31 in the main of “The Ring 6” card at Madison Square Garden in New York.

For the smaller Stevenson – who has held titles at 126, 130, and 135 pounds – calling for catch-weight bouts lately against bigger fighters has been a chief sticking point. In recent months, Stevenson has also pressed for a 144-pound fight against WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia, Haney’s rival.

Haney, Stevenson Agree Online To A 144-Pound Catch Weight

Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney agreed online Tuesday to a 144-pound catch-weight clash.

Social media declarations certainly don’t mean a deal is done, but both fighters showed their willingness to square off by agreeing to the rules of engagement.

Stevenson, The Ring and WBO 140-pound champion, got Haney to abide by stating, “144 [pounds] is fair for two champions in two separate weight classes. Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Canelo Alvarez made one of the biggest fights ever happen at a catch weight. If y’all seriously wanted the fight, it would be easy to make. Y’all fought Jose Ramirez at that weight two fights ago.”

Haney, the WBO 147-pound champ, replied, “If I come to 144, we have a fight?” Stevenson said, “Yes.”

Haney shared a different stance Monday by telling Stevenson, “Whenever you decide to come to ‘my weight class’ let’s do it! I’ll fight your brother Keyshawn Davis for now.”

Davis, Haney’s WBO mandatory challenger and Stevenson’s close friend, also chimed in after Haney revealed he was ready for a 144-pound fight and quipped, “[Haney would] rather lose more weight than get in the ring with The Businessman. I’m your mandatory bro, stop trying to make other fights.”

Haney said, “Sit this one out too Key ... Me versus Shakur is the biggest [fight of the year]. Our fight would be big though.”
If a fight between Stevenson and Haney officially crosses the finish line, the all-American encounter would pit two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport against each other.

Haney (33-0, 15 KOs, 1 NC) is No. 8 on The Ring’s pound-for-pound list. He became champion in a third division when he beat Brian Norman Jr. by unanimous decision in his welterweight debut November 22 on “The Ring IV: Night of the Champions” undercard at ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Stevenson (25-0, 11 KOs) is ranked third pound-for-pound by The Ring. The four-division champion dominated Teofimo Lopez in his last fight, a unanimous points victory January 31 in the main of “The Ring 6” card at Madison Square Garden in New York.

For the smaller Stevenson – who has held titles at 126, 130, and 135 pounds – calling for catch-weight bouts lately against bigger fighters has been a chief sticking point. In recent months, Stevenson has also pressed for a 144-pound fight against WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia, Haney’s rival.

Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney agree on social media to catchweight battle

The ongoing digital squabbling between Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney reached a stalemate Wednesday when they both appeared to agree to a catchweight fight at 144lbs.

Haney, after previously holding titles at lightweight and junior welterweight, now campaigns at 147lbs where he holds the WBO title.

Stevenson, meanwhile, holds that organisation's belt at 140lbs. He's also a former champion at featherweight, junior lightweight and lightweight.

Haney had previously responded positively on social media to an invite to fight from Keyshawn Davis, his mandatory at welterweight, on June 3. Then, when Davis later exclaimed that a fight with Haney would be the biggest of the year, the welterweight beltholder responded with, "Me vs Shakur is the biggest. Our fight would be big tho".

Stevenson took the bait: "And let me guess I gotta come to your weight class to make the fight happen just because you say so?"

"Whenever you come to 'my weight class' let's do it," Haney replied. "I'll fight your brother Keyshawn for now..."

But Stevenson, 25-0 (11 KOs), had a better suggestion. Meet in the middle.

"144 is fair for 2 champions in 2 separate weight classes, Floyd [Mayweather] and Canelo [Alvarez] made one of the biggest fights ever happen at a catch weight... If y'all seriously wanted the fight it would be easy to make. Y'all fought Jose Ramirez at that weight 2 fights ago."

Haney, 33-0-1NC (15 KOs), seemed to like that idea. "If I come to 144... We have a fight?"

The response from Stevenson was succinct and to the point: "Yes".

Moments later he added: "FIGHTER OF THE YEAR ME AFTER THIS!!"

I disagree with the people, suggesting that this fight should be at 140 pounds 'Devin Haney is now a 147 pound fighter. And? Fighters especially at top level, need to fight at their most optimal weight. Because a loss in boxing is potentially catastrophic, they need to give themselves the best chance of performing'.

Well to the actual fight. Shakur Stevenson is a talented fighter, but? Stylistically I would not rate him as the most formidable and dangerous fight out there for Devin Haney'.

Note: To beat Devin Haney you need speed, power and durability 'Stevenson has speed, and a high level of skill. But the other attributes in his game are not at the level, where this fight becomes unwinnable for Devin Haney'.

I would say that Devin Haney has more proven durability, and brute strength than Shakur Stevenson 'along with a solid level of overall boxing skills, compared to his nearest competition'.

It is a close fight to call 'with Shakur Stevenson being the slight favourite, due to him still being undefeated'.

Both fighters are still undefeated 'but regardless of the controversy of Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney 'Garcia while competing on unequal terms, did put a beating on Haney'.

I think it would be much better for Devin Haney to rematch Ryan Garcia 'before fighting Shakur Stevenson'.

To conclude: So overall at 147 pounds, this fight is close to a 50/50 fight 'I just think Devin Haney is more proven in big fights. And stylistically Shakur Stevenson is not the most dangerous fight in the game for him. Fighters such as Ryan Garcia stylistically may still be a more dangerous fight for Devin Haney'.

Note: I did not vote on the poll etc.

This is a great match up. 144 sounds good.

I have Shakur as a slight favourite but who knows how this will go?

shak isnt losing to anyone who fights below 154

Unfortunately it has potential to be the most boring fight you've ever seen.

Taansend wrote: ↑12 Jun 2026, 13:49 This is a great match up. 144 sounds good.

I have Shakur as a slight favourite but who knows how this will go?

If people think Shakur Stevenson is good enough 'then he must challenge, top level fighters at their optimal weight. `144 pounds sounds terrible. This potential fight does not need a catch weight to happen'.

Note: I personally don't think Shakur Stevenson is certain to beat Devin Haney 'stylistically it is not the most dangerous or difficult fight to win for Haney. Devin Haney is by far more proven at World and Elite level, and he may also be more durable'.

Shakur Stevenson's style does seem more visually impressive, but? Overall they are similar fighters.

I am sure the build up will be great 'the dynamic between the two fighters seems respectful but very competitive'.

I don't think it is a good look for Shakur Stevenson demanding the fight to be at 144 pounds 'the Canelo Alvarez vs. Floyd Mayweather Junior comparison is not really relevant'.

Floyd Mayweather Junior was outside of is peak when he fought Canelo Alvarez 'and the fight was only 2 pounds below, Alvarez's then current weight class of 154 pounds, and over confidently it may have been Alvarez who called for the catch weight first. Mayweather in my opinion has very rarely demanded catch weights to make mega fights happen. It is not clear who called for the catch weight against Canelo Alvarez'.

To conclude: It is a 50/50 fight, with Shakur Stevenson being the slight favourite 'I would imagine many former fighters would be picking or wanting Stevenson to win' etc.

PRINCEKOOL wrote: ↑12 Jun 2026, 15:46

Taansend wrote: ↑12 Jun 2026, 13:49 This is a great match up. 144 sounds good.

I have Shakur as a slight favourite but who knows how this will go?

If people think Shakur Stevenson is good enough 'then he must challenge, top level fighters at their optimal weight. `144 pounds sounds terrible. This potential fight does not need a catch weight to happen'.

He & Haney have agreed on 144.

Oh no



"144 wasn't enough..."

Devin Haney accuses Shakur Stevenson of turning down a catchweight against him

WBO want him to fight Keyshawn anyway.

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑12 Jun 2026, 16:32 WBO want him to fight Keyshawn anyway.

I'm fine with that fight.