Top trainer Robert Garcia believes Devin Haney is the “biggest threat” to Shakur Stevenson as their monumental showdown seemingly inches closer towards an announcement.
It was initially reported that Stevenson, coming off his points victory over Teofimo Lopez in January, would be facing Manny Pacquiao on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua.
Naturally, this was met with heavy criticism by the boxing fraternity, yet now it would appear that neither man will feature at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on December 11.
Instead, Stevenson became increasingly linked to a unification match with Gary Antuanne Russell, with both champions putting their respective WBO and WBA super-lightweight titles on the line.
Following several weeks of negotiations, however, it would now seem that the four-division world champion is more likely to face Haney, who has not fought since dethroning Brian Norman Jr for the WBO welterweight title last November.
According to the 27-year-old’s father and trainer, Bill Haney, the pair have agreed to a catchweight of 145lbs – with no rehydration clause – and will collide in Atlanta on November 28.
Speaking to ProBox TV, coach Garcia said both unbeaten Americans have a chance of winning but admitted to favouring the size advantage of Haney.
“I think Devin is the biggest threat to Shakur. I think that Devin can actually beat Shakur, because of his body, his reach. He’s fast; he also boxes very well.
“I think he is the person that can beat Shakur. Shakur can also do the same – beat Haney. Haney can gain 20-plus pounds and Shakur can still beat him because of his talent.
“It’s a very difficult fight to pick because both are so talented, but one has that weight advantage that could play a part in who wins.”
In theory, this would be Stevenson’s promotional debut with Dana White’s Zuffa Boxing, while Haney reportedly has an exclusive deal with DAZN.
