Haney, Stevenson Agree to 144-Pound Catch Weight on Social Media

Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney agreed on social media Tuesday to fight at a 144-pound catch weight, though no official deal has been signed.

Stevenson, the WBO 140-pound champion, initiated the exchange by proposing the midpoint weight as fair for two titleholders in different divisions. "144 is fair for two champions in two separate weight classes," Stevenson wrote, per The Ring. "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." He added that Haney had fought Jose Ramirez at that weight two fights ago.

From Resistance to Agreement in 24 Hours

Haney, who holds the WBO welterweight belt, initially pushed back Monday by telling Stevenson to move up to 147 pounds. But on Tuesday, the tone shifted. "If I come to 144, we have a fight?" Haney asked. Stevenson replied, "Yes." Haney confirmed his willingness shortly after, brushing aside his mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis, who had mocked Haney for agreeing to lose weight rather than face him. "Sit this one out too Key," Haney wrote. "Me versus Shakur is the biggest."

The proposed bout would match two of the sport's top pound-for-pound fighters. Haney, 33-0 with 15 knockouts and one no contest, sits at No. 8 on The Ring's list after claiming the WBO welterweight title with a decision over Brian Norman Jr. in November. Stevenson, 25-0 with 11 knockouts, ranks third pound-for-pound and won his last fight against Teofimo Lopez at Madison Square Garden in January.

Stevenson has lately pressed for 144-pound catch-weight fights with bigger opponents, including WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia. Haney's mandatory defense against Davis is due in August, per WBO rules.

Source: ringmagazine.com