Devin Haney Dangers WBO Title to Make Shakur Stevenson Struggle

Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson lastly appeared to have discovered frequent floor this week after years of failed negotiations, social media battles and missed alternatives.

Lower than 48 hours later, the WBO stepped in and reminded each fighters that Boxing’s largest combat could have to attend.

The WBO Championship Committee has reiterated that Haney should defend his welterweight title towards obligatory challenger Keyshawn Davis subsequent, doubtlessly forcing one among boxing’s largest fights again onto the shelf.

Haney faces a tough selection: pursue probably the most vital fights accessible in boxing or danger jeopardizing the championship he gained from Brian Norman Jr. final November.

Haney and Stevenson Agree

The most recent chapter unfolded on social media when Stevenson recommended a compromise weight of 144 kilos.

“144 is truthful for 2 champions in two separate weight lessons,” Stevenson posted.

The WBO tremendous light-weight champion pointed to Floyd Mayweather’s well-known catchweight conflict with Canelo Alvarez as proof that main fights might be made exterior conventional divisional limits.

Haney shortly responded.

“If I come to 144, we have now a combat?”

Stevenson’s reply was easy.

“Sure.”

For the primary time in years, a Haney-Stevenson combat appeared nearer than ever, however the timing may hardly have been worse.

WBO Stands Agency

The sanctioning physique has made it clear that Haney’s subsequent obligation is Davis, who lately moved to welterweight and secured the primary place within the rankings.

Reviews point out the obligatory protection is due in August.

Whereas Haney has brazenly acknowledged that Stevenson represents the larger combat, the WBO’s place leaves little room for maneuver except an settlement might be reached.

Davis wasted no time reminding Haney of that actuality.

“[Haney would] slightly lose extra weight than get within the ring with The Businessman. I’m your obligatory bro, cease making an attempt to make different fights.”

Haney responded by dismissing the criticism.

“Sit this one out too Key … Me versus Shakur is the most important [fight of the year]. Our combat could be massive, although.”

Three Years of Delays

The rivalry has repeatedly failed to succeed in the end line.

World Boxing Information reported in July 2023 that Haney and Stevenson have been closing in on a light-weight showdown after the WBC positioned Stevenson as a compulsory challenger.

The combat by no means materialized.

Two months later, your entire plan collapsed when Haney moved on and Stevenson was matched with Frank Martin for the vacant WBC light-weight title.

The rivalry resurfaced once more in 2024 when Stevenson supplied to exchange Ryan Garcia towards Haney amid issues surrounding Garcia’s participation.

Invoice Haney publicly rejected the thought and accused Stevenson of failing to make main fights occur.

Regardless of years of public exchanges, negotiations and callouts, Haney and Stevenson have by no means shared a hoop.

Now that they’ve lastly agreed on phrases for a possible Zuffa Boxing showdown, the most important impediment might not be both fighter.

Superfight Roadblock

It isn’t usually a sanctioning physique finds itself within the place of doubtless standing in the best way of a superfight, but lower than 48 hours after Haney and Stevenson publicly agreed to a catchweight contest, the WBO reminded each males that Davis comes first.

Haney may try to barter a step-aside settlement that may permit the combat to proceed earlier than Davis receives a shot on the winner.

Stevenson might also have a choice to make. The chance to grow to be a five-weight world champion and emulate Floyd Mayweather carries apparent significance, making the WBO title a significant a part of the attraction.

After three years of failed negotiations, deserted plans and public callouts, Haney and Stevenson lastly seem to have discovered frequent floor.

The irony is that neither fighter stands out as the largest impediment anymore.

In regards to the Creator

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing Information (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of expertise. He has interviewed world champions, damaged worldwide exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Learn full bio.