Stevenson Open To Boxing Haney At 140

December 24, 2024
2 months
Stevenson Open To Boxing Haney At 140

Shakur Stevenson is open to boxing Devin Haney at junior welterweight.

The pair were linked with a fight at 135 pounds when Haney was the Undisputed Lightweight Champion. Reports indicate Haney made a 25% offer to Shakur, which would have given him a shot at all the belts. But Shakur allegedly turned down the offer because it did not reflect his true value. He chose to pursue the WBC mandatory route. But Haney would beat Vasiliy Lomachenko before vacating his belts to move up to 140 pounds. Since then, Shakur picked up the WBC Lightweight Title by beating Edwin de Los Santos for the vacant belt. Stevenson has since then left Top Rank as he signed a deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Stevenson’s Injury

He was scheduled to fight Joe Cordina in his first fight under the promotion. However, he pulled out after suffering a hand injury in sparring. He was on course to face William Zepeda next year, who is mandatory for his WBC belt. But the Mexican also withdrew from any potential fight after confirming he suffered a hand injury.

Stevenson will now face off against Floyd Schofield on February 22. A victory over Schofield could lead to a bigger fight. Gervonta Davis has already said he will retire next year as he aims to fight three times. That leaves a race against time to make that fight. If he cannot get that fight, Shakur is willing to move up to 140 pounds to face Haney.

Haney has not been in the ring since his no-contest against Ryan Garcia. Haney was dropped three times in that fight as he lost a majority decision. But the result became a no-contest once Garcia failed VADA tests for Ostarine. Shakur and Haney could make a fight since they are both close with Matchroom. While Haney is not signed with Matchroom, he does work with them on a fight-by-fight basis. Haney may also fancy that fight since Shakur would be moving up to 140. Stevenson is also not the biggest puncher.

Shakur Reacts

Nevertheless, Shakur cannot overlook Schofield. Schofield is a rising talent with an undefeated 22-0 record. He has secured his first title shot, meaning the pressure is on Shakur. Stevenson is returning from hand surgery, and there are questions about whether he can impose his style. Stevenson has shown problems with injury of late, as he also had an injury in the Edwin de Los Santos fight. But if Shakur comes through as expected, fans could see that fight.

“We could make the fight. It’s all up to Devin, too. I’m willing to fight any fighter. They called me three times to negotiate. I’m willing to go up to 140 because I think Devin Haney is an attraction to the public, and I think it would make sense. Whatever you seen of me, you’re going to see a better version on February 22nd. I said if Zepeda ducked me, I would fight him. A lot of casual fans know this kid, and they think he’s a good fighter. I also want to beat on who the casuals like. If the casuals like this guy. I’m going to beat on a casual favorite,” Shakur said

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