The long-discussed showdown between Devin Haney and Shakur Stevenson may be closer to reality than ever before. According to Bill Haney, father and trainer of WBO welterweight champion Devin Haney, a fight with Stevenson remains the top priority for Team Haney despite growing discussion surrounding mandatory challenger Keyshawn Davis.
Speaking with Fight Hub TV, Bill Haney made it clear that Stevenson is the opponent his team wants next and that conversations regarding a catchweight bout have already taken place.
For years, boxing fans have debated a potential clash between Haney and Stevenson. The two undefeated stars have crossed paths throughout their amateur and professional careers, creating one of boxing’s most intriguing rivalries.
Now, Bill Haney believes the timing is finally right. “144 is what the man said that he wanted to do,” Haney said. “He said, ‘We got to sit down like businessmen and make it happen.’ Well, we already sat down like businessmen. We ready to make it happen.”
The proposed fight would reportedly take place at a 144-pound catchweight, situated between the junior welterweight and welterweight divisions.
Defending the 144-Pound Catchweight
Some critics have questioned the idea of a 144-pound bout, but Bill Haney dismissed concerns that the catchweight represents a departure from traditional weight classes.
“It’s not all of a sudden,” Haney said. “144 is in the welterweight division. Are you people crazy or what? Welterweight division is between 140 and 147.”
The catchweight could provide a compromise that satisfies both fighters while creating one of the biggest events boxing can currently offer. Stevenson has previously expressed openness to the concept, fueling speculation that negotiations could eventually gain momentum.
A Fight Years in the Making
Throughout the interview, Bill Haney repeatedly emphasized his belief that no fight in boxing carries more significance right now than Haney versus Stevenson.
“What’s the biggest fight in boxing to be made right now?” Haney asked. “Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney.”
The matchup would feature two former undisputed champions, undefeated records, and years of history dating back to their amateur days. For many boxing observers, it has all the ingredients of a modern-day super fight.
The rivalry between Haney and Stevenson has lingered over boxing for nearly a decade. Both men emerged as elite amateur prospects before becoming world champions and pound-for-pound contenders.
As their careers have progressed, fans have continued to demand a matchup between two of the sport’s most technically gifted fighters. Now, Team Haney appears determined to finally make it happen.
Waiting on the WBO
The biggest obstacle may ultimately be the WBO. If the sanctioning body officially orders Haney to defend his title against Keyshawn Davis, the champion could be forced to either honor the mandatory obligation or risk consequences regarding his championship status.
Until that happens, however, Team Haney remains focused on Stevenson. Whether negotiations advance remains to be seen, but Bill Haney’s latest comments leave little doubt about where his attention is directed.
For now, the message from Team Haney is clear. The fight they want is Shakur Stevenson. They believe it’s the biggest fight boxing can make.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
