Stevenson says Haney pushing fight due to weight advantage

Shakur Stevenson believes Devin Haney wants the fight for one reason: size.

The WBO junior welterweight champion told The Daily Mail that the Haney camp has ramped up calls for a showdown because Devin would carry a significant weight advantage into the ring. Stevenson, who holds titles at 140 pounds, says Haney would weigh roughly 20 pounds more on fight night despite the welterweight titlist's reluctance to face bigger threats at 154. "You're begging to fight someone that's way smaller than you, just like they did for Tank for years," Stevenson said, per The Daily Mail. "You ain't eager to jump up and fight [Jaron Ennis] at 154, that ain't what you're thinking about. You want an advantage over somebody."

Stevenson proposes 144-pound catchweight compromise

The Newark native has countered with a proposal to meet at 144 pounds, splitting the difference between their current weight classes. Stevenson pointed out that Haney, who reclaimed the WBO welterweight strap with a win over Brian Norman late last year, has not campaigned at 140 since 2023. Bill and Devin Haney have publicly pushed for the matchup in recent weeks, but talks have stalled over the catchweight demand.

Stevenson acknowledged the size disparity would remain a factor even at a compromise weight, but he cited Floyd Mayweather's win over Canelo Alvarez and Oleksandr Usyk's victory against Tyson Fury as proof that skilled smaller fighters can overcome physical advantages. "I've seen the greats do it," he said. "I'm willing to challenge myself. I think that's gonna show why I'm truly pound-for-pound the No. 1 fighter in the sport of boxing."

The WBO has not yet mandated terms for a potential Stevenson-Haney bout, leaving negotiations in the hands of the two camps.

Source: ringmagazine.com