Shakur Stevenson demands 144-pound catchweight for Devin Haney fight

Shakur Stevenson has drawn a line in negotiations with Devin Haney, insisting on a 144-pound catchweight for any potential welterweight title fight rather than the division's standard 147-pound limit.

The four-division champion told Inside the Ring he sees no reason to accommodate Haney's preference for the full welterweight limit, pointing out that Haney fought Jose Ramirez at 144 pounds just two fights ago. "I'm pound-for-pound one of the best fighters in the sport of boxing, bro," Stevenson said, per Bad Left Hook. "What do I gotta go to 147 for you, when me and you could meet in the middle? We could meet at 144. Let's do it. What's the problem?"

Why Stevenson wants a catchweight for the Haney bout

Stevenson's argument centers on Haney's recent fight history. Before claiming the WBO welterweight strap from Brian Norman at 147 pounds, Haney took on Ramirez at a reduced weight as both men tested the waters above junior welterweight. Stevenson reportedly believes that precedent justifies a contracted catchweight now, especially since Haney has already demonstrated a willingness to fight below the welterweight ceiling.

Haney holds the leverage of championship gold — the WBO title comes with a 147-pound limit attached. Ramirez was a non-title affair more than a year ago, and the Norman fight established Haney as the belt-holder at the division's natural weight. Whether Stevenson's stance forces a compromise or kills the fight altogether may depend on which man blinks first.

No timeline has been set for when the two sides might reach an agreement or move on to other opponents.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — ‘Who are you?’: Shakur Stevenson not willing to bend to Devin Haney in negotiations